Warriors v Magpies - Round 14 Match Highlights
The Wentworthville Magpies have suffered their third consecutive defeat, going down 26-16 to the New Zealand Warriors at North Harbour Stadium, New Zealand on Saturday 15 June in Round 14 of the Canterbury Cup competition.
Coming off a disappointing loss last week, the home side raced out of the blocks early when the experienced Solomone Kata smashed his way over in the corner for an early four point lead.
The try came off the back of an offload by Sam Lisone which found Leivaha Pulu charging 40m through a hole in the Magpies defence. Hauled down just short of the line, a quick play the ball gifted the barnstorming centre the opportunity to put points on the board.
The Magpies however found their composure and worked their way back into the game and it took an effort from Magpies winger Greg Leleisiuao who cut back infield and scored a try next to the posts.
Playing in the halves, Brad Takairangi converted the try to claim a two point lead after seventeen minutes.
Despite dominating territory for the next portion of play, the Magpies were unable to build on their lead and it was the home side who scored an opportunistic try to reclaim the lead.
Chanel Harris-Tavita sent a shallow kick out towards wing, only for the Laleisiuao to tap it back in the field of play and directly into Harris-Tavita’s hands five metres out from the line. The playmaker smartly ran the ball around under the posts for Adam Keighran to convert.
With the half time break looming, the Warriors went in again when winger Setu Tu went over after some slick hands in the lead up from Harris-Tavita and Kata to score next to the posts.
Keighran converting the try giving the Warriors a 16-6 lead at half time.
The Magpies would have been desperate to strike first in the second half to stay in the contest but it was the home side that went over after a string of frustrating penalties by Wentworthville.
The ball went through the hands of the Magpies from one side of the field to the other, with Kata crossing in the left hand corner for his second of the afternoon.
The home side looked to be over again shortly after but a dropped pass with the line wide open saw the Magpies miss another opportunity.
Some sharp play from the Magpies saw them score in the 55th minute through Ethan Parry. Takairangi and winger Haze Dunster combining in the lead up to put the centre over for a converted try and the Magpies back within 12 points.
Dunster put himself on the scoresheet in the 65th minute when a kick was fumbled by Waaka at the back and the winger claimed the loose ball and dived into the corner to score and set the Magpies up for a big finish.
However any hopes of a come back from the Magpies was crushed when Harris-Tavita and Kata again linked up to send Taane Milne away for a try with eight minutes of play remaining.
The try converted by Keighran to secure a 26-16 victory to the home side.
The Magpies next clash will be against the second placed Mounties side on Sunday 30 June at Ringrose Park in Round 15 of the Canterbury Cup competition.
Wentworthville Magpies 16 (Tries: Greg Leleisiuao, Ethan Parry, Haze Dunster; Goals: Brad Takairangi, Brad Keighran)
def by
New Zealand Warriors 26 (Tries: Solomone Kata (2), Chanel Harris-Tavita, Setu Tu, Taane Milne; Goals: Adam Keighran 3/5)
