Two late tries served to reduce the losing margin but didn’t ease the disappointment for the One New Zealand Warriors as they fell to a 24-42 loss to Cronulla Sutherland in Saturday’s round 15 Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) match at Go Media Stadium.
Coming off their victory over Penrith in their last start, the Warriors needed a follow-up performance to maintain contact with the top five.
They opened with the right intent when they led 6-4 after winger Brandon Norris climbed superbly to claim a bomb for a try in the 11th minute.
However, the first half ended poorly with the Sharks scoring three tries to lead 20-6 at halftime and scoring four more to have the contest out of reach at 42-12 with 10 minutes to play.
The Warriors didn’t help themselves when they bombed a try over the line at a critical stage with the only respite coming from a superb long-range Jack Thompson try.
Match: Warriors v Sharks
Round 15 -
home Team
Warriors
8th Position
away Team
Sharks
4th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
In the final three minutes the Warriors put some football together to organise two tries for Norris to complete a hat-trick.
The result leaves them sitting eighth on 18 points, four off fifth spot.
Next week they’re home again playing the Bulldogs at Trusts Stadium in Waitakere City.
