The Vodafone Warriors have secured a 30-22 victory over the Wentworthville Magpies in today's 19th-round Canterbury Cup NSW clash at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney.
It was a win achieved after scoring twice in the final 15 minutes, Vodafone Warriors centre Taane Milne finishing with a double to assist his side to victory for the second consecutive week.
Last time these two teams met in round 14, the Vodafone Warriors won 26-16 at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.
The visitors had a strong start opening up the scoring through Milne following a good passage of play down the right edge. He couldn't convert but his side had a 4-0 lead just three minutes in.
The Magpies were quick to respond in the ninth minute through second rower Andrew Davey when he barged for a converted try.
Wentworthville was awarded a penalty with fullback Will Smith taking the quick tap and breaking through the Vodafone Warriors' line providing space for Jaemon Salmon who finished the job and scored. The conversion was successful as they extended their lead 12-4.
A smart passage of play for the Vodafone Warriors saw Lewis Soosemea dive over in the right corner to score their second of the game with the conversion successful to keep the Magpies in front 12-10.
The home side forced two goal-line drop outs with five minutes on the clock in the first half, before successfully capitalising as Davey crossed for his second of the match.
Five-eighth Salmon set up the try after he dummied right before passing inside to Davey. The conversion was unsuccessful with the half time buzzer sounding in the background, the home side going to the break with a 16-10 lead.
The first penalty was awarded to the Magpies in the second half as they utilised the opportunity with D’Rhys Miller crossing under the posts. The conversion was successful to extend the lead out to 12 points.
The Vodafone Warriors responded through prop Chris Satae, who barged his way over to score after Wenty was unable to retain possession following a high kick. The conversion was successful leaving the home side in front 22-16.
In the 68th minute Vodafone Warriors standoff Hayze Perham intercepted and ran 60 metres to score between the posts. Milne's conversion was successful to lock up the scores 22-22.
Milne later admitted he felt the pressure when converting to level the scores.
"I felt a bit of pressure kicking the goal in the middle," he said.
"It was awesome, Hayze comes up with those clutch plays and it’s good to have him in the team especially right next to me. I’ve got full trust in him in defence and he comes up with those special plays."
Milne was in for his second of the match in the 71st minute after a great grubber kick from Josh Curran sent him over, Milne successfully converted his try to help his side to victory.
MATCH DETAILS
At Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta
Wentworthville Magpies 22 (Andrew Davey, Jaeman Salmon, Andrew Davey, D'Rhys Miller tries; Rhys Davies 3 conversions).
Vodafone Warriors 30 (Taane Milne 2, Lewis Soosemea, Chris Satae, Hayze Perham tries; Taane Milne 4 conversions, penalty).
Halftime: 16-10 Magpies.
Vodafone Warriors | Adam Pompey; Lewis Soosemea, Cole Waaka, Taane Milne, Setu Tu; Hayze Perham, Api Pewhairangi; Chris Satae, Tyler Slade, Jackson Frei; Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard, Leivaha Pulu; Ligi Sao (c). Interchange: Preston Riki, Josh Curran, King Vuniyayawa, Sean Mullany.
