Lapses proved costly for the One New Zealand Warriors as they slipped to a 22-40 loss to the North Sydney Bears in their round eight New South Wales Cup clash at FMG Stadium Waikato today.
They had a chance to at least draw the contest late when they worked their way back to 22-28 with 15 minutes to play.
However, they couldn't produce a follow-up strike with the Bears ultimately scoring twice in the final minutes to blow the margin out to 18 points.
North Sydney opened the scoring when halfback Thomas Steadman took the line on himself in the final play of the set and kept the ball alive for Riley Meyn to finish.
The Warriors hit back when winger Daeon Amituanai crossed in the corner but Jett Cleary couldn't convert leaving North Sydney in front 6-4.
Match: Warriors v Bears
Round 8 -
home Team
Warriors
8th Position
away Team
Bears
1st Position
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
The Bears then piled on two tries before half-time to extend their advantage. Steadman grubber-kicked behind the Warriors to score his own try. Interchange forward Matthew French then reached over adjacent to the post from close range, with Hayman converting both to have his side 18-10 ahead.
The Warriors' cause was lifted just before halftime when Cleary's trademark cross-field kick found Haizyn Mellars, who took a spectacular aerial grab to score and bring the Warriors back to 10-18 at halftime.
All to quickly the good work was undone when Hayman scored in the opening minutes of the second half to boost the Bears to a 22-10 lead.
The Warriors came back, Kayliss Fatialofa crossing for a try following a Cleary grubber to trail just 16-22 only to let Norths in to go 28-16 ahead.
Veteran Adam Pompey - returning to NSW Cup level for the first time in two years - went over for the Warriors to narrow the gap to 22-28.
Another comeback win was on the cards with time left but a crucial turnover handed the Bears prime field position as they went about sealing victory.
With just minutes remaining, Jayden Yates darted through a gap close to the line and dished a short pass for Jake Toby to seal the win, before Meyn added a second try in the dying stages as North Sydney ran out comprehensive winners.
The Bears stay on top of of the ladder on the back of five wins from eight starts and will be looking to consolidate that position when they return home for their next fixture.
The Warriors, who fall short of cracking the top five despite some promising signs in recent weeks, will need to regroup quickly with a tough schedule ahead.
