The SG Ball Steelers came from behind twice to down the Warriors 32-24 in a see-sawing affair at Navigation Home Stadium in Pukekohe on Sunday.
The weekend wrap, brought to you by Harrigan Motor Group.
The Steelers, who headed to New Zealand searching for a win after a last-start loss to Penrith, conceded the first two tries before responding with three unanswered tries of their own through Toby Rumble, Tom Kirk, and Hayden Buchanan to take a 16-10 lead into the break.
The Steelers extended their lead through a Clay Baldock penalty, but the Warriors fought back, posting the first try of the second stanza to draw level at 18-all.
A try to Jarrah Gaia Treweek gave the Steelers the lead again before a penalty, and then a try to the Warriors, defending an undefeated run at home this season, saw the hosts back in front with a 24-22 lead.
With the clock ticking down, the Steelers retook the lead through a converted try to halfback Aaymon Fitzgibbon (pictured), giving the visitors a four-point lead then Rumble’s second four-pointer of the game put the result beyond doubt.
In the Harold Matthews Cup, an under-manned Steelers were gallant in their 26-16 loss to the Warriors after trailing 16-6 at the break. The Steelers’ points came through an Axel Antony double and Cooper Morrison, with Tayler Humphries landing two conversions.
With the U19 and U17 girls returning from a round six bye, all four teams head to Kogarah this Saturday to take on the St George Dragons.
Round 7 Fixtures | Saturday, 16 March | Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah
- 11.00am – Harold Matthews Cup (U17 Boys) – Steelers v St George Dragons
- 12.30pm – Lisa Fiaola Cup (U17 Girls) – Steelers v St George Dragons
- 2.00pm – Tarsha Gale Cup (U19 Girls) – Steelers v St George Dragons
- 3.30pm – SG Ball Cup (U19 Boys) – Steelers v St George Dragons