Storm do enough to beat Dolphins

Embed from Getty Images

Dolphins v Melbourne Storm

The Melbourne Storm blew the Dolphins off the park in the first half and then cruised through the second half to hold on for an 8 point victory over the Dolphins.

Just two tackles into the game, both of which involved Felise Kaufusi, the Dolphins back rower was sent to the sin bin for a high shot. The Storm made their way downfield and in the 6th minute they sent the ball from the middle out to the right with some simple catching-and-passing that exposes the extra man advantage they have and William Warbrick strolled over to score out wide. Nick Meaney converted from out wide on the right side.

The Dolphins hit back in the 12th minute as Kafusi returned to the field. From the back of a scrum near the Storm line, the Dolphins sent the ball right out to Jamayne Isaako who was in open space and he waltzed in for an easy try. Isaako failed to convert from out wide.

The Storm kicked away again just 3 minutes later when Jahrome Hughes ran to the line on the left side before grubbering through for Cameron Munster who grounded the ball for a smart try. Meaney added the extras to give the Storm an 8 point lead.

The final ten minutes of the first half saw the Storm take the game away from the Dolphins when they scored in the 31st minute when Eliesa Katoa charged through the line to score, and then they crossed again in the 35th minute when Katoa made another break on the right side before passing inside to Reimis Smith who raced in to score. Meaney converted both tries to give the Storm a 24-4 lead at the break.

Neither side gave an inch in the opening 25 minutes of the second half as the Dolphins came out and lifted another gear. They reduced the margin in the 65th minute when Isaako stepped back infield and beat 4 defenders before diving over to score a good solo try. He then converted his own try.

Kodi Nikorima then scored a clever solo try when he scooped up the ball at dummy half near the Storm line and barged over the line. Isaako converted to reduce the margin to 8 points with 6 minutes remaining, but a little bit of panic crept into their attack at the back end of the game and the Storm held on to get the victory.