Round 2
New Zealand Warriors 22 l. Parramatta Eels 26

2008 Toyota National Youth Competition Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > Second Grade Competition: Toyota National Youth Competition

Junior Warriors just short in NYC clash against Eels
Sun March 23, 2008
Source: www.warriors.co.nz

A fast-finishing Vodafone Junior Warriors side couldn't snare victory against Parramatta in the NYC curtain-raiser at Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday.

The home side scored the first two tries of the match and went to halftime level at 12-12. Goal-kicking proved costly, though, with the Vodafone Junior Warriors failing to convert any of their three tries - two to winger Kurt Kara - while the Eels converted both of theirs.

After the Eels scored first in the second half through second rower Tony Williams, the Vodafone Junior Warriors responded with a try to one of their own second rowers Sione Lousi.

But like Kevin Locke and Jody Henry before him, Isaac John couldn't convert leaving the game locked up at 16-16.

In the next 12 minutes it looked like the Eels might have taken the game away from the home side when fullback Domenic Nasso and Williams again scored to stretch out to a 26-16 advantage.

But inside the last few minutes the Vodafone Junior Warriors had a real chance of snatching victory after prop Leeson Ah Mau drove across and John - at last - converted to trim the score to 22-26.

The home side went close again inside the last two minutes but couldn't break through, falling to their second loss on end.

Discipline also cost the Vodafone Junior Warriors as they conceded seven straight penalties in the second half.

Match details:

At Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland:

Vodafone Junior Warriors 22 (Kurt Kara 2, Rusty Bristow, Sione Lousi, Leeson Ah Mau tries; Isaac John conversion).

Parramatta Eels 26 (Daniel Mortimer 2, Tony Williams 2, Domenic Nasso tries; Tony Williams 3 conversions).

Halftime: 12-12.

Referee: Leon Williamson.

News sent by: www.warriors.co.nz

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