Despite producing a vastly improved effort the One New Zealand Warriors had to settle for a close loss to Manly Warringah in Saturday’s round two Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) clash at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe.
The Warriors, hurting after a disappointing 4-50 defeat by Canberra in round one, pushed the Sea Eagles all the way before going down 28-32.
They had the early lead through centre Sefanaia Cowley-Lupo’s sixth minute try – which would be the only time they were in front – before Manly surged to a 20-4 lead with four unanswered tries in just 10 minutes.
Needing a quick remedy to halt a rampant Sea Eagles side, the Warriors responded with a dummy half try to hooker Jaydee Auloa in the 28th minute and then a wonderful strike right on halftime.
From a scrum on halfway, the Warriors went right freeing up winger Brandon Norris who broke downfield before nudging through a grubber which fullback Motu Pasikala gathered to score. With both tries converted, the home side went to the break only four points behind at 16-20.
Match: Warriors v Sea Eagles
Round 2 -
home Team
Warriors
14th Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
3rd Position
Venue: Navigation Home Stadium, Pukekohe
On the resumption after halftime the Sea Eagles scored immediately to extend to 26-16 but four minutes later there was just four points in it again as captain Makaia Tafua took defenders over the line with him to score close to the posts.
A repeat scoring one-two followed soon after with Manly grabbing a sixth try before the Warriors had their fifth and Tafua’s second in the 59th minute to be four points adrift with 20 minutes to play.
The Warriors probed for a winner but couldn’t put their plays together, nor could Manly as it sought to stretch its lead to at least eight points.
While without a win in the opening two rounds, the Warriors delivered the improved performance needed to give them room for optimism when they return to Navigation Homes Stadium next Saturday to face the Sydney Roosters.
They’re also winless in the opening two rounds, losing 20-28 to Melbourne in round one and 16-46 to Penrith in round two.
