St George Illawarra are now only two weeks away from a almost confirmed top 8 position as the New Zealand Warriors continue their poor form with a 34-6 loss at WIN Stadium today. The win today put the Dragons in 7th position on the ladder jumping 2 points clear of their rivals knocking the Warriors out of the top 8 with their 6 tries to 1 win.
With Mark Gasnier and Jason Ryles playing their last game at the club’s home ground, it was bound to be an emotional afternoon.Â
Matt Cooper was first to score with an almost identical pass to that of last week when he ran an angled path to the line off a Ben Hornby pass.
Wade McKinnon was pulled up after receiving a forward pass from Brent Tate which ruined the Warrior’s chance of an immediate response and it was Morris that made them pay dearly just two minutes later when he gave the home side a 10-0 lead.
Back in the action, McKinnon raced onto a Sam Rapira pass and crossed the line to give the Warriors a slight glimmer of hope but Cooper’s second try put the Dragons back into the drivers seat. Â
With the half time score at 16-6 after the Dragons found themselves running into a strong southerly, they continued on their rampage as Ryles threw a precise offload sending Dean Young over extending their lead to 16.
Gasnier in fine form, brilliantly offloaded on his way to the ground setting up Josh Morris’ second try of the game. Gasnier’s efforts in the match today was definitely a reminder to his teammates of what they will be missing next year. He went one step better with an unbelievable flick pass behind his back sending Jason Nightingale over the line.
With the breeze finally behind their backs, the Warriors failed to capitalise on the advantage unable to put any further points on the board.
Forward pass after dropped balls and unable to get any further points on the board, the Warriors did little but watch the Dragons storm home comfortably with their 34-6 win.