The Illawarra Cutters were defeated 35-28 by the New Zealand Warriors at Kogarah on Saturday.
The Cutters had a tough first half with the visitors producing a steady stream of points which lead to them establishing a 30-0 lead in the first 35 minutes.
The Cutters were able to get on the score board in the 39th minute with a try to centre Charly Runciman.
Cutters halfback Kyle Stanley converted to make it 30-6.
The second half started out well for the Cutters with fullback Peter Mati’utai intercepting and providing a long range try to further cut down the Warriors lead.
Stanley converted to make it 30-12.
Yet the Warriors extended their buffer once more through Agnatius Paasi to make it 34-12.
The Cutters however struck twice more with tries to both Charlie Faingaa, and Willie Mattaka after the hourmark.
Stanley converted both goals ot make it 34-24.
The Cutters started to smell an unlikely upset after winger Kiti Glymin’s try cut the lead down to six points.
However, a Chad Townsend field goal got the Warriors over the line extending their lead beyond a converted try.
New Zealand Warriors 35 defeated the Illawarra Cutters 28
Illawarra Cutters: 28. Tries: Runciman, Mati’utai, Faingaa, Mataka, Glymin. Goals: Stanley (4/5).
New Zealand Warriors 35. Tries: Tuimavave (2), Locke, Lolohea, Peteru, Paasi. Goals: Townsend (5/6). Field Goals: Townsend (1/1).
