Centre David Fusitua (pictured) scored a hat-trick in the Vodafone Junior Warriors' 50-12 NYC win over the Cowboys on Saturday night. Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
Returning stars David Fusitua and Tuimoala Lolohea both snared hat-tricks as the Vodafone Junior Warriors secured their first win of the season - and also their first in Townsville - by swamping North Queensland 50-12 in tonight’s third-round encounter at 1300SMILES Stadium.
With the club’s New South Wales Cup side having a bye this weekend, Fusitua and Lolohea were called on to boost the NYC side and their contribution couldn’t have been more pronounced.
Within minutes of each other they completed their hat-tricks early in the second half while co-captain and halfback Mason Lino reaped a bucket load of points, 22 in all from two tries and seven conversions from nine attempts.
The Vodafone Junior Warriors’ only other try was scored by winger Metia Lisati.
The opening moments of the contest provided no hint of what was to follow as the Vodafone Junior Warriors conceded an early try for the third week running to go out to a 6-0 lead.
Within a few minutes, though, the tone changed.
In rapid fashion the Vodafone Junior Warriors scored four tries through Lino, Fusitua, Lolohea and Fusitua again to jump out to a 22-6 lead.
While there was a lapse right on halftime enabling the Cowboys to go to the break only 10 points adrift at 12-22 the force was with the Vodafone Junior Warriors throughout the second half.
Immediately after halftime Lolohea went back-to-back to bring up his hat-trick with Fusitua following soon after with his third minutes later.
Match details:
At 1300SMILES Stadium, Townsville
North Queensland Cowboys 12 (Delayne Ashby, Josh Chudleigh tries; Alex Grant conversion; Corey Jensen conversion).
Vodafone Junior Warriors 50 (David Fusitua 3, Tuimoala Lolohea 3, Mason Lino 2, Metia Lisati tries; Mason Lino 7 conversions).
Halftime: 22-12 Vodafone Junior Warriors.
Referees: Michael Gordon.
Vodafone Junior Warriors: Brad Abbey; Metia Lisati, Lafu Feagaiga, David Fusitua, Braxton Stanley; Tuimoala Lolohea, Mason Lino (c); Sam Lisone (c), Kurt Robinson, Bunty Afoa; Michael Ki, Ken Maumalo; Kouma Samson. Interchange: James Taylor, Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard, Jordan Baldwinson, Jazz Tevaga.
