Sunday 25th March at Penrith Park
Penrith 20 – Tries: Bayly (2), Capper (1), Mason (1); Goals: Walton (4) | Eastern Suburbs 9
More: themightypanthers.com/match0133.htm
Penrith posted the first points with a penalty conversion off the boot of Reg Walton in the second minute to lead 2-0. Soon after, they crossed for the first try when hooker Doug Bayly ran from dummy half to expose the weak Roosters on line defence, with Walton’s extras making it 7-0.
Whilst Easts struck back with a penalty conversion and a try to make it 7-5, the Panthers would extend their lead into half time with a second try to make it 10-5.
Three penalty conversions, with two to Penrith, was the only scoring up to the 30th minute of the second half, with the home team holding a 14-9 lead.
But two tries to Penrith in a five-minute period to Phil Capper and Ron Mason, both set up by halfback Phil Ryan ensured that the Panthers would post a well-deserved opening round victory over the 1972 grand finalists.
The Mighty Panthers 