Warriors stun
the Tigers in Auckland

Round 11
New Zealand Warriors 34 v Wests Tigers 12
at Ericsson Stadium
Referee: Jarred Maxwell

Match Summary:
The New Zealand Warriors have comprehensively defeated the Wests Tigers this evening in Auckland ? the home side winning 34-12.

The Warriors were off to a dream start when Sione Faumuina crashed over the line from close range after just two minutes ? the result of an ill-disciplined early penalty against the Tigers. The Warriors led 6-0 after the Tony Martin conversion.

The Tigers looked as though they had the momentum, but successive tries to the Warriors? Brent Webb and Simon Mannering made life very difficult for the Tigers. The Warriors held a 16-0 advantage with 10 minutes remaining in the first half.

Then a piece of Benji Marshall brilliance, reminiscent of his freakish flick pass in last year?s grand final, created the Tigers? first try and the first in the career of debutant Taniela Tuiaki. The Tigers hit back for what looked like the final points of the first half at 16-6 with the Marshall conversion successful.

But the dagger was forced into the Tigers? heart just seconds before halftime, with another breakaway try, this time it was halfback Grant Rovelli. The conversion ensured a tough road ahead for the Tigers if they were to force their way back into this one, the score 22-6 at halftime.

The Auckland-based outfit pressed their foot onto the accelerator after the break, with successive tries to Louis Anderson and Evarn Tuimavave ? both converted by Tony Martin. The Warriors led 34-6 with 25 minutes on the clock and at that stage, any scoreline looked possible.

But the Tigers managed to hold the Warriors out for the remainder of the half and Tuiaki crossed for a consolation double late in the match to save face for the premiers.

The Warriors meet the Sharks next Saturday evening at Toyota Park, whilst the Tigers travel across town to meet the struggling Rabbitohs at Aussie Stadium.


Scorers:
New Zealand Warriors: 34
Tries: Louis Anderson, Sione Faumuina, Grant Rovelli, Simon Mannering, Evarn Tuimavave, Brent Webb
Goals: Tony Martin 5/6
Wests Tigers: 12
Tries: Taniela Tuiaki(2)
Goals: Benji Marshall 2/2

Crowd: 8,210

By the Clock:
The second match in Round 11 sees the hapless New Zealand Warriors playing host to premiers the Wests Tigers. Both sides will be slightly affected by origin representation, with Steven Price and Brett Hodgson the two absentees from this match.

0 min: NEWS KICKOFF! Match underway at Ericsson Stadium

2 min: TRY New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors fulfill the benefits of an early penalty and Sione Faumuina crashes over the line from close range. The decision was referred to video referee Phil Cooley for a possible lost ball but the try was awarded on benefit of the doubt.
Warriors 6-0

8 min: NEWS The Warriors bomb a certain try after a mid-field break from fullback Brent Webb. They moved the ball through the hands but centre Tony Martin was unable to control it.

20 min: NEWS The Warriors bomb another try after another Webb break. Evarn Tuimavave had support on his left but elected to hold back the pass and go with the offload, which culminated with Jamaal Lolesi coming up with the ball for the Tigers.

25 min: TRY New Zealand Warriors
Third time lucky for Brent Webb who capitalises on a freak offload from Faumuina to dart through the Tigers' defensive line and stand up fullback Daniel Fitzhenry - who in-turn scored the try.
Warriors 12-0

30 min: TRY New Zealand Warriors
Simon Mannering crosses for a simple try in the corner after a poor attempt at tackle from Dene Halatau.
Warriors 16-0

34 min: TRY Wests Tigers
A grand-final-like flick pass from Benji Marshall has generated the Tigers' first of the night and debutant Taneila Tuiaki has scored under the posts. Absolute magic from the Kiwi international.
Warriors 16-6

40 min: TRY New Zealand Warriors
Grant Rovelli crosses after a last-minute raid from the Warriors, a stinging blow to the Tigers' chances just on the break. That signals halftime and the Tigers had a look-in for a moment there but after that late try to the Warriors it's a long way back for the Tigers now.
Warriors 22-6

Second half underway in Auckland

50 min: TRY New Zealand Warriors
Louis Anderson gathers up a loose ball after a Nathan Fien bomb to score in the corner. Manu Vatuvei batted the ball down to Anderson. Ominous signs for the Tigers here.
Warriors 28-6

56 min: TRY New Zealand Warriors
Tuimavave barges over from dummy half. Pathetic defence from the Tigers and the scoreline is getting embarrassing.
Warriors 34-6

61 min: TRY Wests Tigers
Tuiaki crosses for his second on debut but it's nothing more than a consolation for the Tigers.
Warriors 34-12

68 min: NEWS Still 34-12 here. Both sides just playing out time now.

Fulltime min: NEWS The Warriors have defeated the Wests Tigers by 34 points to 12 in a comprehensive victory. Match report to come...
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Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 - Brent Webb (Warriors)
2 - Evarn Tuimavave (Warriors)
1 - Tony Martin (Warriors)
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