LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Penrith Panthers are within reach of the top 5 in the NSW Cup standings after a convincing 28-18 victory over the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles at Parker Street Reserve.
The Panthers regained their spot ahead of the Sea Eagles in the standings, improving their for-and-against record and keeping their hopes of reaching the finals alive.
Despite a slow start, the Panthers managed to open the scoring in the 13th minute when Eddie Blacker received a short ball and powered his way over the try line next to the posts.
Cole successfully converted the try, adding to the Panthers' lead.
Just four minutes later, a short drop out from Cooper Johns bounced favorably for Preston Riki, who easily scored in the right-hand corner.
In the 25th minute, another attempted short drop out by the Sea Eagles failed to reach the required distance, giving Cole a straightforward penalty kick to extend the Panthers' lead to 12-0.
Both teams had opportunities to score throughout the rest of the half, but resilient defense from both sides kept the score at 12-0.