Warriors outlast Sharks in Auckland
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Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei fends off Danny Nutley in the win over the Sharks (AAP: Jo Caird)
The Warriors have recorded their sixth win in seven games after a comprehensive 18-4 victory over Cronulla in tonight's round 23 NRL encounter at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.
New Zealand dominated in the slippery and wet conditions to score three tries to Cronulla's one and move to seventh on the competition ladder.
First-half tries to Warriors wingers Jerome Ropati and Manu Vatuvei put the home side in a commanding position at half-time to lead 12-4.
Cronulla scored its only try of the match in the 13th minute of the game when winger Luke Covell crossed on the left wing after an expansive backline combination put him in space.
The second half was marred by poor execution, mistakes and missed tackles from both sides that kept the scoreboard static for the majority of the half.
But Warriors full-back Wade McKinnon broke the game open in the 69th minute when he busted through the Sharks defence to set up a perfect opportunity for utility Lance Hohaia.
McKinnon, playing in his second game back after returning from injury, will come under the scrutiny of the match review panel after a shoulder charge on Sharks hooker Isaac De Gois.
The Warriors continued their strong defensive effort on display last week against the Broncos, rigorously defending their goal line to remain in contention for the top eight as they face St George next week.
Cronulla retains third spot on the NRL ladder in spite of the loss and are still in the hunt for a home final in the first week.
Warriors 18 (J Ropati, M Vatuvei, L Hohaia tries; M Witt 2 conversions; M Witt penalty goal)
The Sharks 4 (L Covell try)
