Wests Tigers’ NYC side have pulled off a sensational comeback to defeat the Melbourne Storm 24-22 in their Round 21 clash at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Despite conceding 22 unanswered points either side of half-time, the young Wests Tigers were able to secure the two competition points thanks to a 40m penalty goal from Eli Levido with five minutes on the clock and a great comeback in the final 20 minutes.
It was Tyler Cassel who crossed for the first points of the day after eight minutes, when he charged on to a great grubber from Eli Levido close to the posts.
Levido added the extras from close to the posts for a 6-0 lead.
As Melbourne threatened to attack the line, it was John Tohi who turned defence into attack, with a 60m intercept try pushing the lead to 10-0.
Get your tickets to our Simon Dwyer Tribute match in Round 21 here. $5 from every adult and family ticket will go to Simon.
Levido converted from the sideline for a 12-0 lead after 24 minutes.
The Storm continued to fight back, though, and soon crossed the line through Dean Britt after 28 minutes. The visitors then crossed again through Nelson Asofa-Solomona in the 31st minute and 39th minute to take somewhat of shock 16-12 lead into the sheds.
Melbourne continued their run of points shortly after the break when Joe Stimon crashed over close to the posts just four minutes after half-time.
Torpy made no mistake with the conversion to push the lead to 22-12.
Wests Tigers continued to fight back, and took a great ball from Te Maire Martin to release Watson Heleta, who unselfishly sent John Ogden over in the corner.
Levido again added the extras to take the score to 22-18 after 63 minutes.
After a great linebreak from Andrew Kazzi in the 71st minute, Levido turned provider to send Delouise Hoeter over in the corner to level the match, and then delivered a fatal blow with a 40m-penalty goal in the 75th minute.
Melbourne would try and create something special to come from behind in the final few minutes, but it simply wouldn’t happen. Wests Tigers would hold on for the win, and keep their hopes at a top-four finish alive for the 2014 season.
Final: Wests Tigers 24 def. Melbourne Storm 22
