The U20 Thunderbolts have lost their first game of the season to the Penrith 36-20.
Coach Eric Smith’s side won their opening four games of the season before Penrith halted their momentum on Saturday afternoon.
The Panthers were fast out of the blocks scoring three tries in the first 15 minutes with a double to Billy Burns.
The Thunderbolts then staged a late comeback in the first half with Jesse Arthars and Beau Fermor both crossing the white line to post a half time score of 14-10.
Shortly after the break the Panthers increased their lead with a penalty conversion to lead 16-10.
Eric Smith’s men levelled the score with a second try to Jesse Arthars, who also kicked the sideline conversion.
The Panthers responded by maintaining a large proportion of territory and ran away with the game scoring several tries in the final 20 minutes.
A final try to Scott Drinkwater in the dying stages was little consolation to the Thunderbolts as they fall to the Panthers 20-36.
Melbourne will now face the Cronulla Sharks at the Sunshine Coast Stadium next Saturday.
Melbourne 20
Tries: Beau Fermor, Scott Drinkwater, Jesse Arthars 2
Goals: Jesse Arthars 2
Penrith 36
Tries: Brian Too, Wayde Egan, Reed Izzard, Liam Martin, Billy Burns 2
Goals: Dean Blore 4
Be there for the Grand Final Replay at AAMI Park. Storm host the Sharks, Sunday 9 April.
