Melbourne Storm's U18 SG Ball side suffered a narrow defeat at the weekend, bowing out of the competition's finals series.
A strong first half performance saw the young Storm side lead Balmain 16-12 at half-time before the hosts hit back in front of a vocal crowd at Leichhardt Oval.
After falling behind Melbourne fought their way back into the contest to earn a 24-22 advantage with just over 15 minutes to go. The fast finishing Tigers kept coming as the match drew to a close, running out narrow 30-28 victors.
Back-rower Charlie Galo was among Melbourne's best, making a number of line-breaks and recording one try assist.
Week One Finals
Balmain Tigers 30 defeated Melbourne Storm 28 at Leichhardt Oval
Balmain Tigers 30
Tries: Joakim Poaru 2, Scott Hogan, D’Rhys Miller, Leighton Jnr Tali
Goals: James Hill 5
Melbourne Storm 28
Tries: Kurt Bernard 2, Romea Dyer, Joshua Kanongata’a, Jeremiah Leasi, Arana Masoe
Goals: Zac Greene 2
