Storm topple Warriors with strong second half

Embed from Getty Images

Warriors v Melbourne Storm

The Melbourne Storm have come from a two-point halftime deficit to record a comfortable 32-10 victory against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium.

Both sides were guilty of ill-disciple for much of the game and it was after Adam Blair gave away back-to-back penalties in successive tackles that lead to the first points of the match being scored, when Cameron Smith kicked a penalty goal in the 7th minute.

The Warriors hit back shortly after when Nikorima found space on the left side, threw a good ball to Hiku, who drew the last defender before passing to Maumalo and the big winger scored easily in the corner. Luke was unable to convert.

Five minutes later Kodi Nikorima chased through a grubber by Green and scored near the uprights. Luke converted.

With 5 minutes left in the first half, Melbourne finally crossed for a try. Storm on the last were placed wide on the right side, Smith ran left from dummy half before passing back to the right behind himself to Hughes, who barged over on the short side to score a clever try. Cameron Smith converted.

Two minutes into the second half and the Storm hit the lead when Hughes hit a big gap close to the line and scored under the posts. Smith converted.

In the 51st minute Papenhuyzen made a great catch and pass sends Vunivalu down a saloon passage to dive over in the right corner. Smith converted beautifully from touch.

10 minutes later the Storm scored again. Smith grubbered from dummy half, close to the line and Bromwich followed through to regather and score far too easily. Smith converted from practically in front.

Smith then added a penalty goal in the 73rd minute and four minutes later Papenhuyzen got another great ball on the outside to Seve who scored untouched in the right corner. Smith was unable to convert. The Storm walked away with a comfortable 32-10 victory.