The Western Suburbs Magpies produced a determined performance to down the Vodafone Warriors in their Intrust Super Premiership trial match today at Northland Events Centre in Whangarei.
Playing with a 16-man squad following several late withdrawals due to NRL commitments, Brett Hodgson's side showed superb heart and effort against the home side.
Down 6-16 at the break, Vodafone Warriors improved in the second half snaring two tries, the second of them to local product Paul Turner which Api Pewhairangi converted from the sideline for an 18-16 lead.
They couldn't hold on, though, with the Magpies stealing victory four minutes from time with Bilal Maarbani's second try.
Earlier front rower Clayton Williams had scored the opening try of the match from close range for a 6-0 lead before the Magpies responded with three straight tries.
Match details | Northland Events Centre, Whangarei
Western Suburbs Magpies 20 (Bilal Maarbani 2, Harry O'Toole, Patrice Siolo tries; Tyson Gamble conversion) .
Vodafone Warriors 18 (Clayton Williams, Tom Ale, Paul Turner tries; Api Pewhairangi 3 conversions).
Halftime: 16-6 Magpies.
