Three tries conceded in the final 25 minutes saw the One New Zealand Warriors slip to a costly 14-26 loss to the Bulldogs in Saturday’s round 23 Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) clash at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney.
Sitting just a point out of the top eight going into the contest, the Warriors were desperate to rediscover winning form in their bid to play finals football.
They went into the match just a point off eighth spot coming off three weeks since their last match against Melbourne (following a bye and then their postponed match against St George Illawarra).
Early signs were encouraging as the Warriors found joy through their left edge and soon had their first points, quick hands on a short side putting left winger Harry Tauafiafi-Iutoi over in the corner.
They couldn’t build on it with Canterbury Bankstown responding in the 12th and 30th minutes to take an 8-4 lead but right on halftime the Warriors cut the Bulldogs open through their left side again.
Match: Bulldogs v Warriors
Round 23 -
home Team
Bulldogs
6th Position
away Team
Warriors
11th Position
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Caelys Putoko dummied and then screamed through a hole from 60 metres out, finding second rower Patrick Moimoi on his inside to finish off a glorious try.
The Warriors’ 10-8 halftime lead became 14-8 eight minutes after the break when Jack Thompson threw a long cut-out pass from dummy half for right winger Brandon Norris to score.
It was a platform to build from but ultimately the Bulldogs had the better of the grind, drawing level in the 55th minute before going 20-14 ahead with 11 minutes to go and then opening up a 26-14 advantage with four to play.
The Warriors needed a comeback akin to the one against Wests Tigers but it didn’t come about this time.
They now sit 11th on the ladder on 22 points with three rounds to play but with the Roosters two ahead in eighth place.
