Canberra pull a Magic Trick to spook Cronulla
99 mins ago | AJ Lucantonio
The Warriors have fought back from a 24-18 deficit with 10 minutes remaining to down the Tigers 26-24 and win a third straight game.
The Warriors got off to a fast start when Adam Pompey crashed over six minutes into the contest, but the Tigers hit back not long after through a strong carry by Fonua Pole to have the game tied not long later.
After a period of parity as both sides struggled in the wet Campbelltown conditions, a series of injuries hit the Tigers at once - Samuela Fainu was left with effectively a peg-leg after a knee injury, while Sunia Turuva went off for a HIA.
With the Tigers defensive line left shattered by the injuries, the Warriors struck through a strong Marata Niukore carry. However the Tigers weren't down for very long, with some skilful running by Lachlan Galvin leading to a long range try by Starford To'a to tie the game at half time.
The Tigers took the lead shortly after the break however with a surging dummy half run by Wayde Egan resulting in a Luke Metcalf try. But again, the Tigers tied the game not long later through a try to Solomon's Faatape, before scoring on the set after points as well through a Latu Fainu solo effort to take the lead for the first time.
The Tigers had chances to extend their lead into double digits, but had two tries called back - first when Terrell May bent the Warriors line, but dropped the ball as he attempted a grounding, and then when Jahream Bula crossed only for the bunker to rule To'a obstructed the Warriors defence.
Eventually those mistakes cost them, when a Warriors right side shift found Leka Halasima of all players on the wing, with the big forward duly doing what wings do by beating Sione Finau and Jahream Bula on a 75 metre run to the try line. Metcalf converted, and then added a penalty goal shortly after following an Alex Seyfarth high tackle, giving the Warriors a 26-24 lead, which they held despite some last minute attacks by the Tigers.
Wests Tigers 24 - Warriors 26
Venue: Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Leumeah / Dharawal
Crowd: 12020
Halftime Score: Wests Tigers 12 Warriors 12
LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Erin Clark
2 points - Terrell May
1 points - Wayde Egan
WESTS TIGERS (24)
Tries: Fonua Pole, Starford To'a, Solomona Faataape, Latu Fainu
Field Goals:
Two Point Field Goals:
Conversions: Apisai Koroisau (3/3), Tallyn Da Silva (1/1)
Penalty Goals:
WARRIORS (26)
Tries: Adam Pompey, Marata Niukore, Luke Metcalf, Leka Halasima
Field Goals:
Two Point Field Goals:
Conversions: Chanel Harris-Tavita (1/1), Luke Metcalf (3/3)
Penalty Goals: Luke Metcalf (1/1)