Storm sink Dragons 17-4 to lead ladder

Melbourne continued their unbeaten run and ended fellow competition heavyweight St
George Illawarra's with a hard-fought 17-4 win in their NRL blockbuster on Good
Friday.
The day did indeed prove a good one for the Storm in front of more than 25,000 fans
at Etihad Stadium, as they reinforced their status as the game's top team.
Electric fullback Billy Slater effectively sealed the result in the 67th minute with
some trademark Melbourne magic.
Hooker Cameron Smith found halfback Cooper Cronk, playing his first full match after
off-season groin surgery, who threw a no-look pass into the arms of Slater, who
dashed 30m to the line.
Amazingly, it was Slater's 15th try in just six games at the indoor arena.
Just two successful penalty goals by Smith, which were awarded due to high tackles,
proved the difference at halftime after an arm wrestle of an opening half.
Indicative of their standing as the two best defensive teams in the NRL, neither
side was able to penetrate their opponent's wall of tacklers.
The Dragons probably finished with first-half honours, but the Storm opened fire
early in the second stanza.
Dane Nielson was first across the line five minutes into the half after Slater drew
the defence to open up a gaping hole for the centre to stroll through.
Winger Anthony Quinn then got into the action at the 50 minute mark after the Storm
sent the ball wide and he showed his finishing prowess to dive over in the corner.
Just when it looked like the Storm, who haven't lost to the Dragons in Melbourne
since 1999, would open up the match, the visitors showed why they won their opening
three rounds.
St George Illawarra winger Jason Nightingale got some revenge on Quinn as he ran
around the outside of him to touch down, although five-eighth Jamie Soward was
unable to convert and close the gap from 12-4. However they were unable to go on
with it, with Slater's try, and then a 72nd minute field goal by Cronk rounding out
the scoreline.



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