Lockyer's Courage Under Fire
by
Sunday July 20, 2003

The Brisbane Broncos have retained their place in the top 3 after an against-the-odds extra-time 26-22 win over Melbourne Storm at Olympic Park in Melbourne.  The Broncos trailed 16-6 at half time, briefly taking the lead midway through the second half before again levelling in the dying moments.

Winger Scott Minto was then the hero, charging away after a Corey Parker offload three minutes into Golden Point time to seal victory 26-22. It was sweet reward for Minto, who had twice been the villain during a tense second half.  While trailing 22-18, Minto dropped the ball with the line open after a beautiful Shaun Berrigan cut out pass, and in the final 20 seconds of regular time stepped into touch as he looked to be on his way to the match winning try.

Coach Wayne Bennett stood on the sideline and punched the air with delight as Minto leapt high and landed with the ball in the in goal, a bizarre attempt by Minto to avoid being held up. Bennett knew the importance of the win, not only for the ladder, but for the psychological edge it will give his team.

The Broncos were never in the game.  They were flat and tired after a tough six week Origin period, and then had the misfortune of losing Ben Ikin (corked thigh), Casey McGuire (shoulder) and then Darren Lockyer (ankle) seemingly for the game. But with only one interchange left and one fit reserve, Lockyer put his body on the line, coming on for the desperate final 12 minutes.

He then delivered the final pass to Stuart Kelly to score the equaliser just three minutes from full time.

Brisbane's day started horribly, with Gorden Tallis ruled to have sent a forward pass to Lockyer on the first set.  Replays suggested the pass was anything but forward.  From the scrum win, Billy Slater sliced between De Vere and Minto to score out wide for a 4-0 lead.

The Broncos attacked over the next seven minutes, but consecutive errors from Dane Carlaw and then a woeful intercept pass from Ikin crueled them. The recipient of the intercept, Matt Geyer, charged up field, eventually gathered in by Brent Tate 20 metres out. It was only a temporary reprieve, Marcus Bai crossing in the corner for an 8-0 lead.

Brisbane hit back when De Vere scored a try, with poetic justice doing so with what looked a forward pass from Shaun Berrigan in the final movement. But Ryan Hoffman extended the lead back to 8, and after Stu Kelly bombed a chance when he ignored an unmarked Brent Tate, Orford extended the lead to 10 when he kicked a late penalty.

The Broncos scored two tries in the first 20 minutes of the second half through Tate and McGuire, but the Storm still looked to have plenty in reserve. Brisbane's courage came to the fore, averting what looked to be a certain third straight loss.

The best for Brisbane was undoubtedly Lockyer, who may yet be in doubt for Friday's Test against New Zealand. Despite the injury, Lockyer's skillful execution set up three tries for the Broncos and was ultimately the difference between the two sides.  Shane Webcke, Petero Civoniceva, Gorden Tallis and Corey Parker were the pick of the forwards, while Kelly, Tate and De Vere also contributed out wide.

Melbourne were well served by prop Robbie Kearns and captain Steve Kearney, while Slater, Orford, Geyer and Steven Bell caused plenty of havoc out wide.

The Broncos remain in equal second, just two points away from competition leaders Penrith.

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