Benji magic casts spell over Warriors

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Sun, 12 Jun 2011 6:44p.m.

The Tigers are a hard team to contain (Photosport)

The Tigers are a hard team to contain (Photosport)

By Ross Karl

The Warriors ran on seeking revenge after a 50-6 hammering against Benji Marshall's Tigers last season, but it was the Tigers crossing the try-line first.

After powering through two defenders Manu Vatuvei blew the Warriors first try opportunity. Kevin Locke was also looking dangerous and a break from a kick return turned into four points.

Ben Matulino had Chris Heighington in a haze, but of greater concern Micheal Luck went off after hurting a cruciate ligament in his knee.

Kevin Locke came up with a try saving tackle and dealt out a big hit on the next play to keep the Tigers in check.

Then the video ref was needed to put the Warriors ahead on a try decision. Feleti Mateo couldn't quite get to the ball, but Locke swooped in to give the home team an 8-4 lead.

After the half-time break the game opened up, and when Manu Vatuvei was put away for his second the Warriors were up 22-4.

But the Tigers are a hard team to contain.

Wade McKinnon celebrated his return to Mount Smart by grabbing a Marshall bomb and turning it into a try. It was then down to a six point game, then all of a sudden it was even thanks to Marshall.

The comeback was secured when Beau Ryan crossed for a 26-22 win. That leaves

the Warriors sixth on the ladder, ahead of the Tigers on points differential.

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Comments

13 Jun 2011 08:14a.m.

Johnny wrote:

Benji shouldnt be kiwis captain or even be picked in the kiwis team. After lastnights final seconds of the game. Ive lost respect for him as a fan after his teaser in the last second by running the ball backwards into the dead ball line. And then throwing the ball at Lewis Browns face; his fellow kiwimate. He has no sportsmanship or captain like conduct in him. Hes lived in Australia and played for the Tigers for too long that hes forgotten hes from New Zealand. All his skills, tricks and knowledge of the game flushes down the toilet if hes got anger issues and no respect and always wants to start a fight. Think about this New Zealanders. As much as hes a good player but to disrespect a fellow kiwimate that represents your only New Zealand team in the NRL is very very sad and unreasonable. I as a fan, really feel sad and still hurt by lastnight and hope the New Zealand Warriors win this years NRL competition after lastnights match. Bad calls from the ref, 2 disallowed tries and the Tigers cheating and playing cheeky lastnight. The Warriors have something special waiting for them in the end of the season. YAY! Go WARRIORS... Johnny