The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Knights have gone down 19-6 to the top-of-the-table Panthers at BlueBet Stadium.
The Knights showed plenty of heart after conceding 18 unanswered points heading into the final 12 minutes.
A late fightback, sparked by a try to Liam Wilkinson, saw the Knights push the Panthers in the closing stages, however it just wasn't their night.
The first half began in familiar circumstances for the Reserve Grade side, with the opening exchanges providing a showcase for each forward pack.
Fans arriving at the ground early were made to wait until the 23rd minute for points, with Panthers back-rower John Faiumu crashing over for the opening try.
Robert Jennings doubled the lead just 10 minutes later, giving the Knights plenty of work to do if they were to reel in the competition front-runners.
Unfortunately, back-to-back Panthers tries built what turned out to be an unassailable 18-0 lead.
Wilkinson's four-pointer did breathe some much-needed life into the contest late, but the Panthers were more than up to the task.
A late field goal by Kurt Falls iced the contest, with the Knights now set to take on the North Sydney Bears next Saturday.
