Searing heat and a stunning Gold Coast comeback today ensured the Vodafone Junior Warriors had to be content with a 34-34 draw with Gold Coast in their only all-NYC trial ahead of their 2009 campaign.
After leading 22-6 at halftime – fullback Kevin Locke with two of his side’s four tries – the Vodafone Junior Warriors extended their advantage to 28-6 when winger Bill Tupou hauled in a cross-field bomb to score just minutes into the second half.
But then the heat came on literally.
With the temperature in the mid-30s (the match kicked off at 3.50pm), the visitors began to falter. At the same time, coach Tony Iro interchanged several of his key players including prop Leeson Ah Mau, standoff Elijah Taylor and Locke. The two factors conspired against the Vodafone Junior Warriors and certainly worked in the Titans’ favour.
In the space of five minutes they scored three tries to trail 22-26 and then in the final quarter two more tries completed an astonishing comeback to give Gold Coast a 34-28 lead with just five minutes left to play.
But despite bleeding 28 unanswered points, the Vodafone Junior Warriors were able to recover their composure to make the final statement of the contest, second rower Sione Lousi using footwork, skill and strength to score between the posts. Halfback Shaun Johnson’s conversion enabled his side to come out of the match with a draw and the knowledge there will need to be plenty of improvement ahead of the season-opening NYC clash against Parramatta at Mount Smart Stadium on March 14.
Match details:
At Oakes Oval, Lismore
Vodafone Junior Warriors 34 (Kevin Locke 2. Jody Henry, Thomas Ah Van, Bill Tupou, Sione Lousi tries; Shaun Johnson 5 conversions).
Gold Coast Titans 34 (Jy Hitchcock 2, Siosaia Vave, Tim James, Jordan Rankin Fred Tila tries; Jordan Rankin 5 conversions).
Halftime: 22-6 Vodafone Junior Warriors.
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