STORM FRONT BLOWS HAPLESS TIGERS TO PIECES
Storm a real doozy
THE Melbourne Storm gave new meaning to the word ‘massacre’ by blowing the woeful Wests Tigers away 66-16 with an opening onslaught of breathtaking proportions to record their incredible 12th win on the trot.
The Tigers spent a relaxing time on Noosa beach on game day morning but once the game kicked off they were swamped by a sea of purple. In the opening 18 minutes the Tigers had the ball for a combined 20 seconds.
As lamentable as the Tigers were, credit must go to the scintillating Storm.
By the 15th minute, when rampaging beast Nelson Asofa-Solomona crashed over, Melbourne led 30-0.
It was sheer perfection. One point per minute is impressive, but for the opening 15 minutes the Storm were going at two per minute.
As the terrible Tigers prepared to restart, which they got plenty of practice at, a punter in the stands called out to Josh Addo-Carr: “Come on Josh, I need you in the multi mate.” The NSW winger heard the quip and grinned from ear to ear.
The Storm started off playing Harlem Globetrotters style with flick passes, twenty metre cut-out balls and razzle dazzle all-round. Brandon Smith scored in the second minute and the floodgates opened.
Nicho Hynes and Cameron Munster had both scored by the ninth minute.
The Tigers incredibly didn’t have the ball until the eighth minute but soon lost it.
Dale Finucane (12th minute), Asofa-Solomona (15th) Reimis Smith (27th) and Felise Kaufusi (37th) had all crossed by halftime when the game was well and truly over as a contest with the Storm leading 40-0.
The carnage continued in the second half with the Storm running in a further five tries to record the highest score they have ever put on the Tigers, eclipsing a 64-0 win in 2001.
In a sour note for Melbourne starting hooker Brandon Smith did not return after the break after suffering a cork to his calf while centre Reimis Smith limped off after scoring his second try.
Tom Eisenhuth also left the field in the second stanza after a head clash.
Asofa-Solomona was binned for a late tackle on Tigers forward Joe Ofahengaue which had everyone at the ground bemused.