Penrith produced a double miracle to beat Cronulla 21-20 and post back to back wins for the first time this season at Toyota Park tonight.
First, down 20-16 with a minute to play, a short kick-off gave Penrith one last throw of the dice, and Michael Jennings took the opportunity with both hands, scoring a tremendous try to level the scores as the siren sounded.
Then, in golden point extra time, Jennings charged down a field-goal attempt and streaked away, only to be pulled down 10 metres from the line. A few plays later, Walsh calmly potted the match-winning field goal.
For Walsh, it was a relieving one pointer, as he had missed the conversion of the late Jennings’ try, which would have given Penrith victory in regulation time.
Like last week against the Roosters, Walsh, Jennings and Lachlan Coote was superb, Coote bagging two tries and again confirming he’s found a new home in the number six jumper.
Penrith deserved the win – they dominated possession throughout the contest and held a 16-14 lead with just a few minutes to play, but Jeremy Smith sent Tyson Frizell into a gap to give the home side what most thought was the match-winning try.
Cronulla led 10-6 at half-time but much of the second half was spent deadlocked at 10-all after Coote scored his second try early in the second stanza.
The Sharks went ahead when Ricky Leutele crossed in the 60th minute, but Matt Robinson struck back for Penrith to put the away side in front.
