Phins fly past sluggish Eels
8 hours ago | Andy P
Storm secure seven in a row
The Melbourne Storm entertained the highest regular season crowd of 25,480 with a second half fight back over the Warriors at AAMI Park, winning 28-18.
The Warriors surprised many with a fast paced performance across the match, but errors cost the New Zealand side chances to secure the victory.
First points were posted by the Warriors after only 8 minutes through Ben Henry as he reached out for the chalk. Shaun Johnson converted, Warriors 6-0.
Will Chambers responded quickly for the Storm with a beautiful solo bolt for the goal line as he slipped away from the Warriors defence. After 12 minutes the game locked up at 6-all with Cameron Smith's conversion.
Mahe Fonua bombed a certain try mid-first half but quickly made up with it as he posted a try inside 10 minutes before half time.
The Storm looked to take a lead into the break at half time, however the Warriors spoilt the party with a try on the siren. Shaun Johnson chanced his hand with a no look pass for Bill Tupou to collected the ball and dived in the corner.
At half time, the game locked up one again at 10-all.
The second half saw the Storm come away with the victory scoring 3 tries to 1.
Shaun Johnson bolted 70 metres off an intercept pass to score under the posts for the Warriors. Billy Slater and Gareth Widdop unable to chase down the Warriors half. The Warriors hit the lead, 16-10.
The Storm returned fire soon after with a try to Sisa Waqa who stole the ball away from Kevin Locke off the kick from Cooper Cronk. Once again the game locked up, 16-all inside the final 20 minutes.
A questionable decision taken by Shaun Johnson as he opted for a penalty goal late second-half to extend the lead to 8 points, Warriors 18-10.
A controversial call came in the 73rd minute as the referees failed to rule on a forward pass offload against Sisa Waqa who supported Will Chamber after he broke free and ran 70 metres for his second four-pointer.
The Storm secured their seventh straight victory of the 2013 NRL with a late try to fullback Billy Slater as he strolled in off a scrum base pass. The Storm victors of the Warriors, 28-18.
Next week the Warriors return home to New Zealand as they host the Gold Coast Titans. Meanwhile the Storm open AAMI Park up once again as the clash with the Canberra Raiders.
The second half saw the Storm come away with the victory scoring 3 tries to 1.
Shaun Johnson bolted 70 metres off an intercept pass to score under the posts for the Warriors. Billy Slater and Gareth Widdop unable to chase down the Warriors half. The Warriors hit the lead, 16-10.
The Storm returned fire soon after with a try to Sisa Waqa who stole the ball away from Kevin Locke off the kick from Cooper Cronk. Once again the game locked up, 16-all inside the final 20 minutes.
A questionable decision taken by Shaun Johnson as he opted for a penalty goal late second-half to extend the lead to 8 points, Warriors 18-10.
A controversial call came in the 73rd minute as the referees failed to rule on a forward pass offload against Sisa Waqa who supported Will Chamber after he broke free and ran 70 metres for his second four-pointer.
The Storm secured their seventh straight victory of the 2013 NRL with a late try to fullback Billy Slater as he strolled in off a scrum base pass. The Storm victors of the Warriors, 28-18.
Next week the Warriors return home to New Zealand as they host the Gold Coast Titans. Meanwhile the Storm open AAMI Park up once again as the clash with the Canberra Raiders.
Match Details
Melbourne Storm 28 New Zealand Warriors 18
Venue: Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
Crowd: 25480
Halftime Score: 10 all
LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Ryan Hoffman
2 points - Will Chambers
1 point - Billy Slater
MELBOURNE STORM (28)
Tries: Will Chambers (2), Mahe Fonua, Sisa Waqa, Billy Slater
Field Goals:
Conversions: Cameron Smith (4/5)
Penalty Goals:
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS (18)
Tries: Ben Henry, Shaun Johnson, Bill Tupou
Field Goals:
Conversions: Shaun Johnson (2/3)
Penalty Goals: Shaun Johnson (1/1)
LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary
Welcome to LeagueUnlimited.com's LIVE coverage of the second ANZAC Day clash from AAMI Park in Melbourne as the Storm host the New Zealand Warriors. Kick off is slated down for 7PM.
TEAM CHANGES:
Justin O’Neill comes in for Junior Sa’u. Maurice Blair and Kenny Bromich drop off the bench. Slade Griffin added
Storm: 1. Billy Slater 2. Sisa Waqa 3. Will Chambers 20. Justin O’Neill 5. Mahe Fonua 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Bryan Norrie 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Tohu Harris
Interchange: 14. Jason Ryles 15. Junior Moors 17. Lagi Setu 18. Slade Griffin
Jerome Ropati replaces Glen Fisiiashi, Ngani Laumape moves onto the wing. Sam Rapira is the captain
Warriors: 1. Kevin Locke 2. Bill Tupou 18. Jerome Ropati 4. Konrad Hurrell 3. Ngani Laumape 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Sam Rapira 9. Nathan Friend 10. Russell Packer 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Ben Henry 13. Todd Lowrie
Interchange: 14. Elijah Taylor 15. Ben Matulino 16. Jacob Lillyman 17. Pita Godinet
TEAM CHANGES:
Justin O’Neill comes in for Junior Sa’u. Maurice Blair and Kenny Bromich drop off the bench. Slade Griffin added
Storm: 1. Billy Slater 2. Sisa Waqa 3. Will Chambers 20. Justin O’Neill 5. Mahe Fonua 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Bryan Norrie 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Tohu Harris
Interchange: 14. Jason Ryles 15. Junior Moors 17. Lagi Setu 18. Slade Griffin
Jerome Ropati replaces Glen Fisiiashi, Ngani Laumape moves onto the wing. Sam Rapira is the captain
Warriors: 1. Kevin Locke 2. Bill Tupou 18. Jerome Ropati 4. Konrad Hurrell 3. Ngani Laumape 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Sam Rapira 9. Nathan Friend 10. Russell Packer 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Ben Henry 13. Todd Lowrie
Interchange: 14. Elijah Taylor 15. Ben Matulino 16. Jacob Lillyman 17. Pita Godinet
We aren't too far off kick off here at AAMI Park with the Last Post echoing around the ground. Both national anthems being performed now
1 min: We are UNDERWAY in this second ANZAC Day clash as the Storm kicks off at AAMI Park.
1 min: Not the best opening set from the Warriors, but Todd Lowrie with a strong run on the last play gets the Warriors up to halfway.
2 min: Cooper Cronk provided a beautiful cut out pass for Billy Slater who almost bolted in. But he decided to chip for Cronk who was unable to take the ball before the Warriors defence.
3 min: Kick from the Warriors on the last tackle sees the ball roll over the touchline. Scrum feed packs for the Storm on their own 10 metre line.
4 min: Kevin Locke jumped for the kick and bolted away 40 metres up to halfway away from the Storm defence. Warriors on the attack with the Storm on the back foot
5 min: Penalty goes to the Storm for a slow release of the ruck from Mateo. Storm attacking off the free kick on their 40 metre line.
7 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Warriors. We have a TRY, Ben Henry is claiming off the kick from Johnson
8 min: TRY NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Scored by Ben Henry. Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
The video referee awards the try for Ben Henry who jumped and collected the loose ball from Mahe Fonua. He reached out for the goal line and planted it down for points. Shaun Johnson with the conversion from beside the posts is successful
New Zealand Warriors 6-0
Scored by Ben Henry. Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
The video referee awards the try for Ben Henry who jumped and collected the loose ball from Mahe Fonua. He reached out for the goal line and planted it down for points. Shaun Johnson with the conversion from beside the posts is successful
New Zealand Warriors 6-0
10 min: Thomas Leuluai on the 4th tackle of the Warriors set puts the ball over the touchline line 20 metres out from the Storm line. Melbourne have a scrum feed as a result.
12 min: TRY MELBOURNE STORM
Scored by Will Chambers. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful.
Will Chambers showed up the Warriors defence with a show and go as he stepped and slipped away from the chasers. He managed to run 50 metres in the end to post the Storm's first try. Cameron Smith with the conversion slots the extras
6 all
Scored by Will Chambers. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful.
Will Chambers showed up the Warriors defence with a show and go as he stepped and slipped away from the chasers. He managed to run 50 metres in the end to post the Storm's first try. Cameron Smith with the conversion slots the extras
6 all
16 min: UNFORCED ERROR NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Ngani Laumape makes an unforced error.
Ngani Laumape unable to take the low cut out pass from Mateo who was in space should he have taken the ball. The Warriors certainly have turned up to challenge the Storm. Melbourne have a scrum feed 30 metres from their own line.
Ngani Laumape makes an unforced error.
Ngani Laumape unable to take the low cut out pass from Mateo who was in space should he have taken the ball. The Warriors certainly have turned up to challenge the Storm. Melbourne have a scrum feed 30 metres from their own line.
18 min: Penalty to the Warriors for the Storm releasing too slowly on the ruck. Warriors rolling now with a full set 10 metres out
19 min: Shaun Johnson rocketed a kick to the corner for Bill Tupou but it slips through his hands. Scrum Storm
21 min: UNFORCED ERROR NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Konrad Hurrell makes an unforced error.
Konrad Hurrell off a wayward pass dropps the ball as he was unable to take the dummy half pass from Shaun Johnson. Storm on the attack now with a scrum feed 30 metres out
Konrad Hurrell makes an unforced error.
Konrad Hurrell off a wayward pass dropps the ball as he was unable to take the dummy half pass from Shaun Johnson. Storm on the attack now with a scrum feed 30 metres out
22 min: UNFORCED ERROR MELBOURNE STORM
Will Chambers makes an unforced error.
Will Chambers comes up with a mistake off a first play from the scrum base. Warriors back on the attack inside their 30 metre line.
Will Chambers makes an unforced error.
Will Chambers comes up with a mistake off a first play from the scrum base. Warriors back on the attack inside their 30 metre line.
23 min: Penalty to the Storm against Bill Tupou for taking out Mahe Fonua in the jump for the kick from Shaun Johnson
25 min: Jason Ryles gives away a penalty as he just comes into the action. Warriors with it after 25 minutes as they attack 30 metres from their own line.
26 min: UNFORCED ERROR MELBOURNE STORM
Ben Henry makes an unforced error.
Ben Henry running off the short pass from Johnson knocks it into a Storm player. Scrum for the Storm on halfway
Ben Henry makes an unforced error.
Ben Henry running off the short pass from Johnson knocks it into a Storm player. Scrum for the Storm on halfway
27 min: UNFORCED ERROR MELBOURNE STORM
Mahe Fonua makes an unforced error.
Mahe Fonua has dropped the ball as he dived in off a great short pass from Junior Moors. Warriors lucky not to concede points, they have a scrum 10 metres out
Mahe Fonua makes an unforced error.
Mahe Fonua has dropped the ball as he dived in off a great short pass from Junior Moors. Warriors lucky not to concede points, they have a scrum 10 metres out
29 min: ZERO tackle for the Storm as the Warriors bomb the kick from Cooper Cronk. Storm attacking 20 metres out
31 min: TRY MELBOURNE STORM
Scored by Mahe Fonua. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith unsuccessful.
Mahe Fonua makes no mistake this time as he dived in the corner off a beautiful cut out pass from Gareth Widdop. The Storm found some form on the back of a repeat set. Cameron Smith with the conversion from the left touchline, is unable to add the extras
Melbourne Storm 10-6
Scored by Mahe Fonua. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith unsuccessful.
Mahe Fonua makes no mistake this time as he dived in the corner off a beautiful cut out pass from Gareth Widdop. The Storm found some form on the back of a repeat set. Cameron Smith with the conversion from the left touchline, is unable to add the extras
Melbourne Storm 10-6
33 min: UNFORCED ERROR NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Ben Henry makes an unforced error.
Shaun Johnson pushing the pass to Ben Henry who was unable to come up with possession. Scrum feed packs for the Storm on their 10 metre line
Ben Henry makes an unforced error.
Shaun Johnson pushing the pass to Ben Henry who was unable to come up with possession. Scrum feed packs for the Storm on their 10 metre line
34 min: Penalty to the Storm off the scrum, differential the penalty. The count is now at 3-2 in favour of the Melbourne side.
35 min: Jason Ryles gives away another penalty, not needed as the Warriors goes on the attack 30 metres out
40 min: TRY NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Scored by Bill Tupou. Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson unsuccessful.
Bill Tupou running strong to the corner as Shaun Johnson fired a no look pass for his winger. Great running on the half time siren to draw level. Johnson with the conversion unable to add the extras.
10 all
Scored by Bill Tupou. Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson unsuccessful.
Bill Tupou running strong to the corner as Shaun Johnson fired a no look pass for his winger. Great running on the half time siren to draw level. Johnson with the conversion unable to add the extras.
10 all
40 min: HALF TIME at AAMI Park in Melbourne, we are locked at 10-all
41 min: Second half is UNDERWAY at AAMI Park with a possible upset on the cards, game locked at 10-all
43 min: Storm ruled to have passed forward pass as they pushed it to the left wing. Warriors scrum feed on their own 10 metre line
44 min: The Warriors have coughed up possession for the second time on the first tackle. Storm with a second chance to score with a scrum feed on the Warriors 10 metre line.
45 min: UNFORCED ERROR MELBOURNE STORM
Ryan Hoffman makes an unforced error.
Ryan Hoffman spun and attempted to charge for the goal line but dropped it at the end. The try going begging for the Storm. Warriors have a scrum feed on their own 10 metre line.
Ryan Hoffman makes an unforced error.
Ryan Hoffman spun and attempted to charge for the goal line but dropped it at the end. The try going begging for the Storm. Warriors have a scrum feed on their own 10 metre line.
50 min: Penalty goes to the Storm against Todd Lowrie. Cam Smith kicks for touch and the Storm will attack 40 metres from the Warriors goal line
53 min: TRY NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Scored by Shaun Johnson. Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
Shaun Johnson has bolted 70 metres off an intercept to score under the posts. Billy Slater and Gareth Widdop unable to chase down the Warriors half. He converts his own try to extend this lead over the Storm.
New Zealand Warriors 16-10
Scored by Shaun Johnson. Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
Shaun Johnson has bolted 70 metres off an intercept to score under the posts. Billy Slater and Gareth Widdop unable to chase down the Warriors half. He converts his own try to extend this lead over the Storm.
New Zealand Warriors 16-10
54 min: UNFORCED ERROR MELBOURNE STORM
Slade Griffin makes an unforced error.
Slade Griffin off the kick off has dropped the ball as he attempted to gather the ball up. Unable to and the Warriors pack a scrum feed on their own 10 metre line.
Slade Griffin makes an unforced error.
Slade Griffin off the kick off has dropped the ball as he attempted to gather the ball up. Unable to and the Warriors pack a scrum feed on their own 10 metre line.
55 min: The video referee has had a look at the kick from Johnson and it's ruled not a 40/20 at the end of it as it bounced just shy of the 20 metre line.
58 min: TRY MELBOURNE STORM
Scored by Sisa Waqa. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful.
Sisa Waqa has stole the ball away from the hands of Kevin Locke as the ball bounced up for Waqa off the kick from Cooper Cronk. Cameron Smith converts to draw the game level once again
16 all
Scored by Sisa Waqa. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful.
Sisa Waqa has stole the ball away from the hands of Kevin Locke as the ball bounced up for Waqa off the kick from Cooper Cronk. Cameron Smith converts to draw the game level once again
16 all
61 min: Billy Slater earns a penalty for the Storm as he was held down in the ruck. Storm attacking 40 metres from the Warriors goal line.
63 min: UNFORCED ERROR NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Kevin Locke makes an unforced error.
Storm with a chance with a line drop out. Kevin Locke dropped it trying to get out of the in goal area.
Kevin Locke makes an unforced error.
Storm with a chance with a line drop out. Kevin Locke dropped it trying to get out of the in goal area.
64 min: UNFORCED ERROR NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Billy Slater makes an unforced error.
Billy Slater drops the ball off the kick from Cooper Cronk. Warriors working it off their goal line.
Billy Slater makes an unforced error.
Billy Slater drops the ball off the kick from Cooper Cronk. Warriors working it off their goal line.
65 min: Penalty against the Storm as the ball has been knocked out of the Warriors hands. The free kick is taken and the Warriors start their new set on halfway
66 min: Penalty to the Warriors as the Storm are ruled offside on the goal. Johnson has a shot at penalty goal coming up from the left touchline
67 min: SUCCESSFUL PENALTY GOAL NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Penalty goal attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
Shaun Johnson with a beautiful strike of the ball from the left touchline adds the penalty goal points to the score
New Zealand Warriors 18-16
Penalty goal attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
Shaun Johnson with a beautiful strike of the ball from the left touchline adds the penalty goal points to the score
New Zealand Warriors 18-16
69 min: Cooper Cronk fires the kick downfield to the corner. Warriors packing a scrum feed on their own 10 metre line
73 min: TRY MELBOURNE STORM
Scored by Will Chambers. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful.
Will Chambers skipped away from the Warriors with a massive 65 metre run, he offloaded to Sisa Waqa who linked back with him quickly for him to dive over in the corner. The Storm in the lead with a kick from touch successul from Cam Smith
Melbourne Storm 22-18
Scored by Will Chambers. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful.
Will Chambers skipped away from the Warriors with a massive 65 metre run, he offloaded to Sisa Waqa who linked back with him quickly for him to dive over in the corner. The Storm in the lead with a kick from touch successul from Cam Smith
Melbourne Storm 22-18
74 min: UNFORCED ERROR NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Konrad Hurrell makes an unforced error.
Konrad Hurrell comes up with an error as he tried to play the ball. Scrum feed to the Storm 20 metres from the Warriors goal line
Konrad Hurrell makes an unforced error.
Konrad Hurrell comes up with an error as he tried to play the ball. Scrum feed to the Storm 20 metres from the Warriors goal line
77 min: TRY MELBOURNE STORM
Scored by Billy Slater. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful.
Billy Slater took the pass from the base of the and slipped through the defence to stroll in under the uprights. Cameron Smith from right in front of the posts converts.
Melbourne Storm 28-18
Scored by Billy Slater. Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful.
Billy Slater took the pass from the base of the and slipped through the defence to stroll in under the uprights. Cameron Smith from right in front of the posts converts.
Melbourne Storm 28-18
78 min: UNFORCED ERROR MELBOURNE STORM
Sisa Waqa makes an unforced error.
Sisa Waqa jumping for the kick has dropped it and the Warriors have the zero tackle count on their own 10 metre line.
Sisa Waqa makes an unforced error.
Sisa Waqa jumping for the kick has dropped it and the Warriors have the zero tackle count on their own 10 metre line.
80 min: FULL TIME at AAMI Park in Melbourne. The Storm have fought back in the second half despite first half errors to defeat the Warriors 28-18