The Serve

Roosters fall short

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Sharks end Titans season

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Cartwright: Bird laid down

A flat Sydney Roosters have bowed out of the 2007 NRL premiership race, going down to Penrith 28-22 at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Lethargic from the start, the Roosters struggled to hold possession, handing Penrith countless opportunities, with all four of tries scored by their exciting young backs. Craig Gower had a heavy influence on proceedings.

Although Penrith led 20-6 at the break, the Roosters had shown glimpses of their prowess, however Maurice Blair’s second try three minutes into the second half was a telling blow.

It wasn’t the most entertaining of spectacles, even for those with a vested interest. Midway through the second half, Rooster coach Brad Fittler left the coaches box for a toilet break. Whatever advice fans had for him in the lavatory, it didn’t amount to anything as the home side continued to fumble their way through the contest.

A length of the field try to John Williams in the sixty-ninth minute, Anthony Tupou’s try two minutes from the end and Braith Anasta’s solo effort on the siren were merely consolations, with the Roosters role in this year’s premiership reduced to spoiling. They take on South Sydney and could stop their fierce rivals from entering their first finals series since 1989.

The victory lifts the Panthers off the bottom of the ladder and will hand the spoon to Newcastle, unless the Knights can upset the Wests Tigers next week at Homebush.