After a run of four straight defeats, the One New Zealand Warriors bounced back into form with an impressive 26-10 win over the highly-ranked Parramatta Eels in Sunday’s round 25 Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) clash at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton.
The Warriors went into the contest sitting 11th on the ladder with 23 points while the Eels were third on 34 points.
They hadn’t won since their dramatic 44-42 victory over the Wests Tigers on July 12 which was followed by a loss to the Storm, a bye, their postponed match against the Dragons, another defeat by the Bulldogs and then a 22-60 trouncing by the Panthers.
But on Sunday the Warriors showed again just what they’re capable of when they get it right.
They went into their last two matches of the season with the intention of finishing strongly with wins which could see them end the campaign as high as eighth.
Match: Warriors v Eels
Round 25 -
home Team
Warriors
10th Position
away Team
Eels
5th Position
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
They’re headed in the right direction after a display which saw the Eels slide two places on the table and the Warriors climb to 10th.
While Parramatta jumped out of the blocks with an early try, the Warriors quickly responded through a dummy half effort from hooker Etuate Fukofuka followed by a smart show-and-go Jack Thompson try to go 12-6 ahead after 33 minutes.
Close to halftime winger Brandon Norris hit a Thompson pass just outside his own 10-metre line, carving through or past multiple defenders before being rounded up on Parramatta’s 30; the Warriors shifted left, winger Harry Tauafiafi-Iutoi blasting through to score for 16-6 halftime lead.
The Eels were six behind after 52 minutes, the contest then settling into an arm wrestle.
The Warriors stuck with it superbly and then sealed victory with two tries inside the last five minutes.
Going left Tauafiafi-Iutoi held up Parramatta’s defence before putting second rower Patrick Moimoi over in the corner and then centre Motu Pasikala stepped his way past defenders on an angled run against the grain before reaching out to slam the ball down.
