The St George Illawarra Dragons were 24-12 victors over the Melbourne Storm in the Emergency Services Cup match at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Monday.
The Red-and-Whites scored two tries in the first half in the form of powerhouse centre Josh Dugan and five-eighth Gareth Widdop, who faced his former teammates.
Head Coach Paul McGregor Made only one change to the squad with NSW representative Trent Merrin heading out onto the field after recovering from his ankle injury.
The Red V came out firing with centre Josh Dugan powering over the line in the first seven minutes to put the first points on the board.
Five-eighth Gareth Widdop was unsuccessful in his first conversion attempt of the night leaving the home score at four with the Storm yet to score.
The 15th minute saw Widdop take a well-placed kick over the line for his first try of the season.
He successfully converted his own try from the western sideline to take the homeside’s score to 10-nil.
Melbourne Storm hit back in the 26th minute when fullback Billy Slater put the first points on the board for the visiting side.
Storm hooker Cameron Smith successfully converted his teammate’s try to take the score to 10-6.
The following 15 minutes were a test of each other’s defence before the halftime siren sounded.
The Dragons broke the game of defence in the 51st minute when hooker Mitch Rein crossed the chalk for a four pointer.
Widdop’s conversion attempt was successful giving the homeside a ten point lead with 25 minutes left in the second half.
Dugan broke the line in the 66th minute, after dislocating a finger on his right hand, sending winger Jason Nightingale over the line.
Widdop was unable to convert the try leaving the Red V’s lead at 20-6.
Dragons winger Charly Runciman powered over the line after collecting a Widdop pass in the 70th minute.
Widdop was unsuccessful when he took the conversion from the eastern sideline leaving scores at 24-6.
The Storm hit back five minutes later when centre Kurt Mann charged over the line.
Smith successfully converted when the ball bounced through the posts after hitting the crossbar reducing the margin to 24-12.
St George Illawarra Dragons 24 defeated the Melbourne Storm 12.
St George Illawarra Dragons 24. Tries: Dugan, Widdop, Rein, Nightingale, Runciman. Goals: Widdop (2/5).
Melbourne Storm 12. Tries: Slater, Mann. Goals: Smith (2/2)
