Poms in Oz: Wests end 12-year barren spell in Melbourne

Two tries in the space of three minutes was enough for Chris Heighington’s Wests Tigers to shock Gareth Widdop’s Melbourne at AAMI Park 10-6.

Lote Tuqiri and Matt Utai scored on the 43rd and 46th minute respectively for the Tigers, in a closely fought game that had a half time score which may have resembled a soccer score, 2-2.

It was the Tigers’ first win in the Victorian capital since Balmain and Western Suburbs merged 12 years ago. 

Melbourne replied in the 70th minute through Dane Neilson, a try which was converted by Widdop who had kicked the Storm’s first half penalty.

Heighington solidified his position in the number 13 jersey after a strong performance, while Gareth Ellis remains sidelined through injury.

Eagle eyed viewers of the match may have seen a mistake by home broadcaster Channel Nine during the match.

In the 67th minute of the match Channel Nine advertised their coverage of the rugby union test between Australia and Wales. The Welsh logo used was actually the Wales Rugby League red dragon, rather than the more traditional (and correct) Price of Wales feathers used by the Welsh Rugby Union.

Jack Reed’s Brisbane side came away with a thumping 40-22 win at Allianz Stadium in Sydney over the Roosters.

Reed got on the scoreboard in the final minute of the match, by which time the game was well and truly over as a contest.

However the match will be remembered for errors by 2011 Four Nations final referee Matt Cecchin, and Adam Devcich. 

Cecchin incorrectly awarded a try to Brisbane after Lachlan Maranta ripped the ball from the grasp of the Sydney Roosters’ Joseph Leilua, and ran away to set up a try for Alex Glenn without playing the ball.

The refereeing duo also awarded a try to the Sydney’s Tinirau Arona despite dropping the ball clearly over the line.

Despite the errors from the referees, Brisbane were never in doubt of losing the game. Additional tries for the Broncos came from Ben Te’o, Gerard Beale, Peter Wallace, Corey Norman and debutant Lachlan Maranta. 

The Roosters also scored tries from Jake Friend, BJ Leilua and Tautau Moga.

South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbuy Bulldogs both had byes as a result of the second State of Origin match taking place on Wednesday.

This meant Sam Burgess and brothers Luke and George had a well deserved rest, along with the Bulldogs’ James Graham. 

The two sides met last week when Graham got one over the Burgess brothers with a 23-18 win.