The Vodafone Junior Warriors held off a fast-finishing Sydney Roosters side to claim a 30-24 ninth-round Jersey Flegg Cup win at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney on Sunday.
The result leaves the side unbeaten in five matches on the road – four wins and a draw – yet still without a win at home.
The Vodafone Junior Warriors have edged up to equal eighth on the ladder with nine points but are ninth on points for and against differential.
Not for the first time, they were in command at halftime holding an impressive 30-4 lead after scoring five converted tries.
They couldn’t add to the tally in the second half, though, as the higher-ranked Roosters stormed back with four tries before running out of the time.
The tiebreaker proved to be halfback Sione Moala’s flawless goalkicking; while he managed five from five, the Roosters converted only two of their five tries.
The competition now takes a break over the next two weeks with all teams having back-to-back byes.
Match details:
At Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Sydney Roosters 24 (Craig McKenzie 2, McKenzie Baker, Tyrell Neiufi, Elih Jackson tries; Bayleigh Bentley-Hape conversion; Zane Harris conversion).
Vodafone Junior Warriors 30 (Edward Kosi 2, Kayal Iro, Wesley Veikoso, Paul Turner tries; Sione Moala 5 conversions).
Halftime: 30-4 Vodafone Junior Warriors.
Vodafone Junior Warriors | Emmanuel Tuimavave-Gerrard; Selestino Ravutaumada, Patrick Elia, Kayal Iro, Edward Kosi; Paul Turner, Sione Moala; Phillip Makatoa, Sean Mullany, Wesley Veikoso; Brody Tamarua, Tom Ale; Tyler Slade (c). Interchange: Temple Kalepo, Junior Pua, Jyris Glamuzina, Michael Lemafa.
