Finals-bound Parramatta handed the Vodafone Junior Warriors a 32-18 defeat to end their 2016 NYC campaign at Mount Smart Stadium today.
The home side opened brightly when Eiden Ackland’s grubber produced a try for his halves partner Dylan Tavita but the Eels produced three tries in quick succession soon after to take the lead.
By halftime they were 22-12 ahead and had another two tries in the opening 15 minutes of the second half to take firm control of the contest at 32-12.
The signs were ominous but the Vodafone Junior Warriors battled bravely on defence to prevent the visitors scoring again and also created a try of their own for wing Preston Riki to lose by 14 points.
It finished a season in which more than 20 players made their debuts for the club’s NYC side, the newest of them Keanu Laumatia-Paki today.
Match details | Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
Vodafone Junior Warriors 18 (Dylan Tavita, Lewis Soosemea, Preston Riki tries; Kane Telea 3 conversions).
Parramatta Eels 32 (James Gammidge 2, Dean Matterson, Kelepi Manu, Jack Morris, Tui Afualo tries; Michael Doolan 4 conversions).
Halftime: 22-12 Eels.
Referee: Adam Cassidy.
Vodafone Junior Warriors | Kane Telea; Lewis Soosemea, Junior Pauga, Matt Faitotoa, Preston Riki; Dylan Tavita, Eiden Ackland; Kenese Kenese, Sheldon Pitama (c), Mattais Heimuli; Marata Niukore, Joseph Price; Chris Sio. Interchange: Joseph Vuna, Cyrus Timo-Latu, Tyler Mohi, Keanu Laumatia-Paki.
