Penrith edges Cowboys
07/30/2010 11:00:26 AM
them within striking distance.
It was just after the hour mark when the game's second contentious incident occurred when Penrith crossed through Gordon, only to be denied by the video referee.
Luke Walsh's bomb was knocked back by Lachlan Coote into the hands of Lewis, who pushed off Thurston before putting another kick into the corner for Gordon.
But video ref Steve Clark ruled Lewis was just in front of Walsh when the bomb went up, infuriating the home fans and letting the Cowboys off the hook.
The scores were soon level though as a brilliant run by Panthers back-rower Nathan Smith was rewarded when he sent Kevin Kingston over under the posts. Gordon converted to make it 16-16 and set up a tense last nine minutes.
And the pacy winger, who recently re-signed with the Panthers for a further two years, then scored a superb solo try to hand the home side their much-needed win.
Penrith Panthers 24
Tries: Gordon 2, Tighe, Kingston
Goals: Gordon 4
North Queensland Cowboys 16
Tries: Tupou, Tonga, Graham
Goals: Thurston 2