Three-try blitz sinks Dragons
by Chris Cox
Sunday April 17, 2005

A three-try blitz in the space of 10 minutes midway through the second half handed the Broncos a valuable 34-24 win over St George-Illawarra at WIN Stadium today.

The Broncos twice came from behind after trailing 12-0 midway through the first half before hitting the lead 14-12 at the break, and then surrendering the lead early in the second half with a try to Shaun Timmins.

Shaun Berrigan's strong try in the 54th minute sparked a Broncos blitz that ultimately proved the match winning spell.

Darren Lockyer's conversion put the Broncos ahead 20-18, before Leon Bott completed his hat trick just moments later.  It was the third time the Broncos capitalised on the Dragons' right side defensive weakness, a Lockyer long pass putting the 18-year-old flyer outside opposite winger Colin Best to score.

And with just 15 minutes remaining, halfback Brett Seymour sold a dummy to a rampaging Petero Civoniceva, presenting a yawning gap for the halfback to dive through and score under the posts.  Lockyer's conversion put the Broncos 12 clear.

However, that didn't look like it would be enough when Dragons utility Corey Payne crashed over just moments later to reduce the margin to 6 points and setup a frantic final 10 minutes.

The Dragons constantly pressured the Broncos line but the defence held firm.  Eventually the Dragons faultered and Brent Tate scored the match winner on full time as Dragons coach Nathan Brown sat dejected on the sideline. 

It was a strong performance from the Broncos, and a solid backup from last week's remarkably easy 54-14 win over Parramatta.  Defensively the Broncos were solid and after their attack started slowly they warmed to the task with Lockyer and Seymour making the most out of the speed they commanded out wide.  Bott's hat trick was the highlight, but his performance was matched by Lockyer, lock Tonie Carroll, prop Civoniceva and second rower Brad Thorn who excelled in setting up play for the flashy backs. Tate, Berrigan and Bott took full advantage.

The Broncos win was made even more impressive after losing fullback Karmichael Hunt in the first half after a swinging arm from Shaun Timmins on the falling Hunt sent the teenager off with severe concussion.  Utility Casey McGuire came on to play fullback and did an admirable job.

Earlier the Broncos got off to the worst possible start when Lance Thompson scored after the Broncos failed to take the kick off.  10 minutes later Scott Minto forced a pass to McGuire which went astray, with Dragons' international centre Matt Cooper swooping on the loose ball to score for a 12-0 lead.

The Broncos hit back when the long passes finally stuck, with Bott going over after some impressive leadup work from Lockyer and McGuire.  The margin was reduced to just 2 points soon after when Lockyer put Tate into space before the former international grubbered ahead for Carroll to score.

And shortly before half time the Broncos took the lead for the first time when Bott scored in the corner again.  Lockyer missed the conversion once more, but Brisbane had edged in front.

The lead lasted just 8 minutes in the second half when Colin Best found space down the right before sending a pass inside which was deflected by McGuire but not far enough, Timmins diving on the loose ball to score.