20 Sep 2008

Warriors continue fairytale run

12:28 am on 20 September 2008

The Warriors have beaten the Sydney Roosters 30-13 in Auckland to move to within one win from a place in the National Rugby League grand final.

They started favourites after their upset win over the minor premiers and defending champions Melbourne last Sunday and when Lance Hohaia scored the first of his two tries after only three minutes the capacity crowd of nearly 26,000 cut loose.

But the Roosters turned down the volume by dominating for most of the first half with a superior kicking game and led 13-6 at the break.

They took the lead with a penalty try after the video referee ruled Hoghaia had taken out Minichiello as he tried to chase down a rolling ball in the in-goal.\.

Hohaia responded with his second try. quickly closing the gap to one, and after the Warriors got over the line twice only to be denied by video referee it was third time lucky for Ian Henderson.

The former Rooster got the benefit of the doubt and his touch-and-go try gave the Warriors a lead they quickl;y extended when Manu Vautuvei scored a try four minutes later.

Michael Witt's sideline conversion put the home side up by 11 and then Aidan Kirk started the celebrations early when he intercepted and raced about 70 metres to score six minutes from time.