JFC Match Report: Warriors fashion emphatic round one win

Splitting 44 points evenly in each half, the One New Zealand Warriors marched to a 44-14 win over the Sydney Roosters in their round one Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) contest at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe on Saturday.

With TJ Ashford stepping up to coach the side after back-to-back premierships in the Harold Matthews Cup, the Warriors were in impressive touch from the outset.

Tries to centre Nganatatafu Vake and second rower Bishop Neal in the opening nine minutes had the home side off to a perfect start leading 12-0 with further touchdowns to winger Harry Tauafiafi-Iutoi and hooker Braelan Marsh taking it out to 22-10 at halftime.

They started the second half spectacularly when right winger Brandon Norris exploded out of dummy half 65 metres out, stepping one defender and shrugging off others en route to a dazzling solo try.

Motu Pasikala had a double and in between his two tries Harry Inch, the Nelson College rugby union star, opened his account in his first competitive rugby league outing. He also slotted six conversions for a haul of 16 points.

The Warriors face Canberra in their round two match on the road next Saturday.