Warriors dominate wilting Wests Tigers

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Warriors v Wests Tigers

A classy performance from the Warriors has seen them consign the Wests Tigers to their third straight loss, the Warriors 26-4 winners at Mt Smart Stadium.

The Warriors dominated from the outset, opening the scoring 14 minutes in, David Fusitu'a benefiting from the quick hands of halfback Shaun Johnson.

Ken Maumalo was next to cross, Blake Green the provider on this occasion with a pinpoint pass. The Warriors led 10-0 after half an hour, but the Wests Tigers weren't giving up easily and got on the board through Mahe Fonua in the corner after a review from the Bunker.

The scoring appeared to have dried up until right on halftime when Johnson threw over a penalty goal for a 12-4 halftime lead.

Early in the second half Elijah Taylor was given marching orders for ten minutes after repeated infringements. The Warriors looked to have scored soon after Taylor's dismissal but it was chalked off by the Bunker for obstruction.

They didn't have to wait long, Johnson scoring a try of his own twelve minutes after halftime. The Tigers hung in after that, trailing by only 12 points - but a quickfire double to Karl Lawton in the 67th and 71st minutes put the competition points out of reach for the visitors.

Tonight's hosts weren't challenged after that, holding on to a 22-point margin to claim the two points and draw level, at least temporarily, with the Dragons at the top of the table.