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Warriors 28-10 win snaps a 3 game losing streak
Round 4 Brookvale Oval Sydney Sunday 4 April Crowd 8722
Match Report The Vodafone New Zealand Warriors snapped a 3 game losing streak by beating the Manly Sea Eagles 28-10. Their exit from the twilight zone for at least a week had coach Daniel Anderson smiling "the attitude was great today , it was a solid performance."
Manly hit the front with an early try then Warriors stalwart Ali Lauititi used his brute upper strength to shove two defenders aside and score the Warriors opening try. At halftime the Warriors led 6-4 lead then they cut loose in the second half.
Fullback Brent Webb had an allround strong game in attack and defence. He made 12 hit-ups for a gain of 106 metres and scored 2 tries, his first try after Jerry Seuseu busted the line in the 50th minute. Three minutes later rookie forward Epalahame Lauaki scored the first of his two tries by finishing off a brilliant team play to take the Warriors to 16-4.
With eight minutes to go Lauaki charged over the line to grab his second try. Webb's second try came in the closing minutes after a passing rush in which Ali, Tony Martin and Vinnie handled to shut out the Manly Sea Eagles 28-10.
The wet conditions and muddy surface slowed the game and made ball control difficult. Each side was guilty of 17 errors. However Stacey's accurate kicking game steered the Warriors into better field position to launch their attack on a Manly defence that gradually sunk into medoicrity. Manly missed 33 tackles to the Warriors' 18.
Around the ruck dummy half hooker Tevita Latu repeatedly opened holes around attacked the Manly line where he gained valuable forward momentum. Lauaki stood out along with Ali, Jerry, Stacey and Villasanti.
The overall difference was teamwork, which suggests the Warriors are playing and winning for each other, one crucial game at a time. Still the Warriors have work to do, to prepare for Newcastle (who lost away to St George 48-2) next Saturday at Auckland.
Warriors 28 Brent Webb 2, Epalahame Lauaki 2, Ali Lauitiiti tries; Sione Faumuina 4 goals (4/5) Manly 10 Paul Stephenson, Anthony Watmough tries; Andrew Walker goal Warriors Vodafone Warriors MVP Epalahame Lauaki www.warriors2004.cjb.net