Round 5
New Zealand Warriors 26 drew Bulldogs 26

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

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

Great comeback by Junior Warriors nets draw
Sun April 13, 2008
Source: www.warriors.co.nz

Three tries in a 16-minute assault enabled the Vodafone Junior Warriors to recover from a 16-point deficit for a 26-26 draw with the third-placed Bulldogs in their fifth-round NYC clash at Mt Smart Stadium today (Sunday).

After going to halftime 10-14 down, the Vodafone Junior Warriors conceded two early second half tries to slip 10-26 behind.

But from such a desperate position they organised a breath-taking recovery which might well have netted an astonishing win, such was the momentum they had in the game's closing stages.

First Thomas Ah Van, moved into the centres for this match, scored in the 58th minute, his sixth try in just three games in the competition.

Six minutes later captain Russell Packer, again impressive with another hard-working display, powered across near the posts for Howie Matthews to convert.

Down 20-26 and with 16 minutes still to play, the Vodafone Junior Warriors were in the right position to complete a great comeback.

And in the 74th minute that became even more likely, when massive second rower Ben Matulino was absolutely unstoppable running onto a tap penalty 10 metres from the Bulldogs' line. He drove in low, planted the ball across the line and Matthews did the rest to tie it up 26-26.

There was plenty of time to go for a winner but, despite getting themselves in reasonable positions, the Vodafone Junior Warriors couldn't quite organise a chance for a field goal.

So it finished as a draw, the Vodafone Junior Warriors still unbeaten in their last three matches.

Match details:
At Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland:
Vodafone Junior Warriors 26 (Jody Henry 2, Thomas Ah Van, Russell Packer, Ben Matulino tries; Howie Matthews 3 conversions).
Bulldogs 26 (Kele Nuisere, Nathan Smith, Rhys Jack, Jamal Idris, John Kite tries; Ben Barba 3 conversions).
Halftime: 14-10 Bulldogs.
Referee: Leon Williamson.

Report sent by: www.warriors.co.nz

Advanced Search