Storm 17
Dragons 4
Melbourne continued their unbeaten run and ended fellow competition heavyweight St George Illawarra's with a hard-fought win in their NRL blockbuster yesterday.
The day did indeed prove a good one for the Storm in front of more than 25,000 fans at Etihad Stadium, as they reinforced their status as the game's top team.
Electric fullback Billy Slater effectively sealed the result in the 67th minute with some trademark Melbourne magic.
Hooker Cameron Smith found halfback Cooper Cronk, playing his first full match after off-season groin surgery, who threw a no-look pass into the arms of Slater, who dashed 30m to the line.
Amazingly, it was Slater's 15th try in just six games at the indoor arena.
Just two successful penalty goals by Smith, which were awarded because of high tackles, proved the difference at halftime after an arm wrestle of an opening half.
Indicative of their standing as the two best defensive teams in the NRL, neither side was able to penetrate their opponent's wall of tacklers.
The Dragons probably finished with first-half honours, but the Storm opened fire early in the second stanza.
Dane Nielson was first across the line five minutes into the half after Slater drew the defence to open up a gaping hole for the centre to stroll through.
Winger Anthony Quinn then got into the action at the 50-minute mark after the Storm sent the ball wide and he showed his finishing prowess to dive over in the corner.
Just when it looked like the Storm, who haven't lost to the Dragons in Melbourne since 1999, would open up the match, the visitors showed why they won their opening three rounds.
St George Illawarra winger Jason Nightingale enjoyed some revenge on Quinn as he ran around the outside of him to touch down, although five-eighth Jamie Soward was unable to convert and close the gap from 12-4.
However, they were unable to go on with it, with Slater's try, and then a 72nd minute field goal by Cronk rounding out the scoreline.
- AAP
