A stunning second half comeback carried the One New Zealand Warriors to an exhilarating 28-24 win over Melbourne in Sunday’s 12th-round Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) clash at Te pā o Rarotonga.
The vastly-changed home side fell 6-20 behind at the interval but responded superbly in the second term with a run of 22 unanswered points in 18 minutes to lead 28-20 with 13 minutes to go.
The Storm came back within four points with an unconverted try but the Warriors, despite having a player in the sin bin, held on impressively to close the contest out for their third win of the season.
The points-scoring spree started with a try to winger Raphael Sio four minutes after halftime before hooker Jeriko Filipi-Talisau surged across nine minutes later to close the scoreline up to 18-20.
The Warriors now had the momentum and took advantage of it in the 51st minute with fullback William Puliu over wide out to give his side a 22-20 lead.
Match: Warriors v Storm
Round 12 -
home Team
Warriors
12th Position
away Team
Storm
10th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
It seemed only a matter of time before the now-rampant Warriors would extend their lead, which they duly did in the 57th minute through a try to powerhouse prop Toby Crosby.
There were some anxious moments over the last 10 minutes as the Storm fully stretched the Warriors’ goal line defence but couldn’t find a way through.
The Warriors remain in 12th spot on the ladder but they have won three and drawn one of their last six matches after a rocky start.
