Lucas hat-trick highlights Knights victory over Penrith in Bathurst

The nib Newcastle Knights have defeated the Penrith Panthers 25-6 at Carrington Park in Bathurst on Saturday night.

A first half hat-trick from Dylan Lucas highlighted the performance as the squad achieved their fourth win of the season.

Fullback Fletcher Sharpe had a night to remember at the back with a try, four line breaks and 17 tackle breaks.

The Knights will look to build on their showing in Bathurst ahead of a trip to play the St George Illawarra Dragons next Friday night.

How it played out:

1st min - The match kicked off in front of a capacity crowd at Carrington Park in Bathurst.

4th min - The red and blue were on the board first when Fletcher Sharpe powered his way over for his eighth try of the season.

Sharpe pumped his legs close to the line and managed to ground the ball to open the scoring. Dane Gagai converted from close to in front. Knights 6-0 Panthers

9th min - Dylan Lucas went over for the Knights second. The second-row forward received a short ball from Tyson Gamble and spun through the Penrith defence to plant the ball down. Knights 12-0 Panthers

11th min - Tyson Gamble and Dylan Lucas combined again with the forward posting his second of the night.

In almost a like for like play, Lucas punched a hole through the Penrith defence to extend the lead. Knights 18-0 Panthers

23rd min - Panthers forward Liam Henry was sent to the sin-bin for a crusher tackle on Sharpe.

25th min - The Knights capitalised on the extra numbers with Dylan Lucas collecting his hat-trick.

Tyson Gamble turned provider once again with a weighted kick into the in-goal and Lucas was on the spot to score his third of the night. Knights 24-0 Panthers

28th min - Mackay product Paul Bryan entered the field of play to become the 359th player to represent the Knights in the top grade. The 22-year-old dislocated his shoulder in his first tackle and continued to play on through the pain.

38th min - Dylan Lucas almost had a fourth of the night, but was denied by Daine Laurie during  the put down.

40th min - The Knights went into the sheds ahead 24-0.

58th min - Penrith were next to score after half-time with debutant Harrison Hassett posting their first. Knights 24-6 Panthers

74th min - Jack Cogger added a late field goal for the Knights to secure the win for Newcastle. Knights 25-6 Panthers

80th min - The full-time whistle sounded with Knights running out 25-6 winners.

What's next:

The Knights will travel down to Sydney next Friday to take on the St George Illawarra Dragons at Jubilee Stadium.