Harold Matthews Game Report: Significant loss

Sunday’s 10-40 loss to Cronulla Sutherland in their crucial eighth-round match at Pukekohe is Navigation Homes Stadium dealt a serious blow to the One New Zealand Warriors’ ambitions of participating in finals football in their first season in the Harold Matthews Cup (under-17) competition.

The Warriors entered the game with 10 points, tied with the Sharks for the sixth slot. They needed to win their next two games to guarantee a postseason berth.

But Cronulla Sutherland was not in the mood for charity, quickly jumping out to an 18-0 lead with three converted tries. The Warriors answered with a score from Jeremiah Lemana, cutting the deficit to 4-18.

It was short-lived as the Sharks made their move.