WARRIORS SO CLOSE TO EPIC VICTORY
Aug 10 2009
Despite there being nothing at stake on the game, both sides fought out a compelling contest. The Warriors had held the lead for much of the game but the Phoenix fought back strongly in a second period of almost total domination to snatch the win.
The home side opened strongly with the Warriors struggling to shake off their bus legs and they capped their first set of six with a try, Ty Watson crashing over out wide for an unconverted score.
The Warriors got a grip of the game and began to put some good moves together with Tom James and Stephan Fourie combining well in midfield releasing runners to cause the Phoenix defence problems.
Fourie opened the Warriors account as he stepped through the defence and coasted to the line, Mike Hagan converting to give the Warriors the lead.
Just before half time, they increased their advantage after John Strutt was stopped inches from the line and Tom James dummied over from acting half. Hagan again improved the score and the Warriors led 12-4.
After strong words at the interval, the Phoenix came out firing but the Warriors would not be breached. However, it took a fine tackle from Sean Hagan to stop Watson grabbing his second try of the game and all the home side could manage for their pressure was a Demetrious Gonsalves drop goal.
However, the Warriors began to tire and mistakes crept into their play. The phoenix ratcheted up the pressure until the dam finally broke and tries from Ian Marsh and Max Oxton-Morris in a four minute spell edged the Phoenix in front despite neither being converted.
After Gonsalves increased the lead further with his second drop goal, the Warriors struck.
James Coleman escaped from a tackle on halfway and he found Ed Stallard in support. Neys Schreiner backed up to take the inside pass and score. Hagan’s kick went just past the post but the Warriors held a 16-14 lead with less than ten minutes remaining.
The Phoenix threw everything at the Warriors in the final few minutes and finally got their reward as Mark Sloan scored from close range in the corner. The conversion attempt was well wide but there was no time to restart the game and the Phoenix had the points in the bag.