Warriors add woe to Broncos

The Brisbane Broncos are in danger of missing their first finals series in twenty years following a heart-breaking 36-4 loss to the New Zealand Warriors at Mt. Smart Stadium.

The Warriors scored seven tries on the way to their crushing victory, backrowers Lewis Brown and Simon Mannering leading their side from the front. The Broncos were without the direction of captain Darren Lockyer, also missing Peter Wallace in the second half after he succumbed to a shoulder injury.

The Warriors struck first in the rain through Manu Vatuvei, once again scoring the first try in the match off a James Maloney kick. Lewis Brown followed up the effort scoring a quick double to get the lead out to 14-0. A late try before the break extended the lead of the home side, with the goalkicking of James Maloney being the only thing keeping the Broncos in the match.

It didn't matter soon after however, the Warriors continued to keep their stance in the game. Simon Mannering showcase some of his moves from the past, while Lance Hohaia's double put the Warriors in a winning position, leading 36-0. A late Jharal Yow Yeh try gave the Broncos points, but nothing could give them hope after an ordinary performance.

Match Details
New Zealand Warriors 36 defeated Brisbane Broncos 4
National Rugby League - NRL - Round 25 - Friday August 27, 2010 6:05pm
Venue: Mt Smart Stadium
Referee: Jared Maxwell and Tony Des Las Heras
Video Referee: Tim Mander
Touch Judges: Steve Chiddy and Phil Haines
Crowd: 21627
Halftime: New Zealand Warriors 18 Brisbane Broncos 0

Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 Points - Simon Mannering (1 Try)
2 Points - Lewis Brown (2 Tries)
1 Point - Lance Hohaia (2 Tries)

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS (36)
Tries: Lance Hohaia (2), Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, Ben Matulino, Lewis Brown (2)
Conversions: James Maloney (4/7)

BRISBANE BRONCOS (4)
Tries: Jharal Yow Yeh
Conversions: Corey Parker (0/1)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary Welcome to Mt. Smart Stadium where the Warriors will be facing the Broncos in what promises to be an intriguing clash that could end in a harsh fate for the losing side. A top eight spot could very well be on offer tonight in this game.
Toyota Cup - Four Warriors tries in a twelve minute spree late in the first half have helped the home side claim a powerful 42-12 victory over the Broncos, after leading 30-6 at the break. Glen Fisi'iahi and Ben Henry both finished with two tries a piece for the winning side.
Warriors - Only one change in the side. Joel Moon is out of the game and he is replaced in the centres by Jerome Ropati.
Broncos - The Broncos will enter this match 1-17, without Darren Lockyer once more.
The two sides are arriving onto the field.
We're underway!
So far, the rain is more than noticeable.
5 min: Both sides start with those usual rainy errors.
7 min: James Maloney nails a 40/20.
13 min: TRY
I said it last week and I'll say it again. It's never a surprise when Manu Vatuvei scores the first try in the match, once again from the boot of James Maloney.
New Zealand Warriors 4-0
21 min: Vatuvei goes dangerously close to grabbing a double, if it wasn't for Jharal Yow Yeh tackling him over the sideline.
22 min: TRY
Lewis Brown scoops and scores to extend the Warriors lead.
New Zealand Warriors 8-0
26 min: TRY
Brown has scored his second try of the night as the Warriors are starting to get a convincing lead. Manu Vatuvei grabs another kick before heading to Jerome Ropati then Lewis Brown, the eventual try scorer.
New Zealand Warriors 14-0
30 min: TRY
Mannering scores way too easily. The only thing keeping the Broncos in this match is the goalkicking of James Maloney.
New Zealand Warriors 18-0
30 min: If the Broncos are to get the win tonight, they have to get the hand on the ball. It seems like the Warriors have had twice as much.
33 min: Spoken too soon. The Broncos in good field position following a few penalties.
35 min: Brisbane their worst enemy at the moment.
36 min: TRY
Brent Tate goes through to set up Lance Hohaia. Is this the end of the Broncos' finals streak?
New Zealand Warriors 24-0
40 min: Half-time! The scoreline says it all...
40 min: Back under way!
40 min: Peter Wallace has succumbed to injury. Everything going wrong for Brisbane.
50 min: TRY
Hohaia does it all himself for his second try and the Warriors continue to dominate.
New Zealand Warriors 30-0
55 min: Yow Yeh saves a potential Warriors try.
58 min: TRY
Matulino crashes over, putting another six points in both teams' differential.
New Zealand Warriors 36-0
68 min: The Warriors have settled, while the Broncos are still directionless.
72 min: Possible try to the Broncos.
72 min: No try, double movement.
77 min: TRY
He scores anyway, from a Hunt kick. Broncos finally on the board, but it doesn't really matter. The game ended a long time ago.
New Zealand Warriors 36-4
80 min: Full time, that may seal the fate for the Broncos. A woeful performance ending in a 36-4 defeat to the Warriors.