The U20 Thunderbolts has defeated a strong Warriors outfit 36-14 at AAMI Park in Round 8 ANZAC Day clash.
With the Thunderbolts coming off a narrow defeat to the Raiders in Canberra last week, Matt Adamson’s team were looking to play a high intensity game and spoil the Warriors trip to Melbourne.
The Warriors U20 team has hit some consistent form, winning five out of the last six matches in the competition and were looking to extend their recent run.
From kick-off, the Thunderbolts applied immense pressure onto the Warriors defence and the team was rewarded with a try in the eighth minute. A resilient Warriors outfit responded quickly in the 14th minute to level the scores.
The Warriors' strong defence kept the Thunderbolts out after some heavy pressure close to their own try-line, however Christian Welch was able to break a tackle and put the Thunderbolts ahead 10-4.
It didn’t take long for Warriors to make it level once again through a Solomone Kata try in the 29th minute with Mason Lino in his 49th appearance, converting the kick.
However it was the Thunderbolts who headed into half-time ahead on the scoreboard after front-rower Francis Tualau barged his way across the Warriors try line in the 37th minute to make it 16-10.
The Warriors started the second half strongly by skipping past the Thunderbolt defence and getting over the try-line in the corner, making it 16-14.
Melbourne were awarded a penalty deep in the Warriors' defence and opted to kick and extend the margin to four points.
The Thunderbolts attempted to get behind the Warriors defence again through a kick-and-chase in what would have gave the home side some breathing room, however the kick was intercepted.
It was Charlie Galo of the Thunderbolts who was split the Warriors defence and force his way over the try-line and put his team ahead by 10 in the 61st minute.
The Thunderbolts again piled on the pressure and made some slick passes to leave Josh Minhinnick open who made a darting run to the try-line to extend the score to 28-14 in the 70th minute.
Thunderbolts fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad made his way to the try-line after some fine team build up play to put his side 18 points clear with 8 minutes to go.
In the 78th minute, it was Josh Minhinnick who put the score beyond doubt with his second after scoring a brilliant team try.
The ANZAC Day clash was round out with the Thunderbolts defeating the Warriors 36-14 in a spirited game at AAMI Park.
Melbourne Storm 36 defeated Warriors 14 at AAMI Park
