An improved second half performance at Leichhardt Oval has helped Melbourne to a 22-14 victory over the Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
Storm continued their unbeaten start to 2017 thanks to a stout second half defensive performance and a reduced error rate which allowed Craig Bellamy’s side to overturn an eight point half-time deficit.
An error filled opening from the visitors invited Wests Tigers forward during the early stages of the contest. After soaking up plenty of pressure in defence, Storm’s wall finally cracked in the 12th minute when Mitchell Moses found a way through.
Be there for our next home game at AAMI Park in Round 5, Saturday 1 April at 7:30pm.
Carrying a wave of momentum, the Tigers continued to add to their lead electing to kick penalty goals on two occasions before Elijah Taylor opened up a sigfinicant advantage for his side.
After struggling to build any pressure in attack courtesy of a first half completion rate of just over 50%, Melbourne found a way just before the half-time break.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona was the beneficiary of a Tigers error, handing Storm their first points of the afternoon.
A much brighter start to the second stanza was followed up by a Cameron Smith 40-20 kick in the 48th minute. Young Tonumaipea scored off the ensuing set and further closed the gap.
Turning the tables, a spectacular 80-metre effort from Cheyse Blair gave Melbourne the lead before Josh Addo-Carr followed up with his own length of the field effort to give Storm some breathing space.
From there Melbourne were able to take control of the closing stages not allowing Wests a chance with the ball in hand.
Melbourne Storm 22
Tries: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Young Tonumaipea, Cheyse Blair, Josh Addo-Carr
Goals: Cameron Smith 3
Defeated.
Wests Tigers 14
Tries: Mitchell Moses, Elijah Taylor
Goals: Mitchell Moses
