The St George Illawarra Dragons National Youth Competition team were defeated 24-8 by the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park, Melbourne on Monday.
The Young Dragons scored twice in the loss having been outplayed by a more enthusiastic home team who ran in four tries of their own.
The Dragons opened the scoring in the 16th minute through winger Dee Jay Harris who jumped above the Storm defence to collect a cross-field bomb from Adam Clune.
The home team went on to control possession and created more of the opportunities throughout the remainder of the half with Storm captain Christian Welch leading the charge.
Welch crossed over next to the posts in the 27th minute with interchange forward Francis Tualau barging over in similar fashion five minutes later.
Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster was successful with both conversions giving the Storm the lead 12-4 at the break.
The Dragons started with more intent in the second half and were rewarded nine minutes into the second half with the team created space and an overlap on the right for Moceidreke to cross in the corner.
The Storm’s next points came in the 67th minute courtesy of a penalty for holding down in the play when hooker Billy Brittain was brought down close to the try line.
Munster converted to give the Storm a six-point lead, 14-8.
The Storm ran away with the game in the end scoring two tries within the final 10 minutes to winger Junior Kirisome and back rower Joe Stimson.
Munster additionally converted an additionall penalty goal near fulltime.
Melbourne Storm 24 defeated the St George Illawarra Dragons 8.
St George Illawarra Dragons: 8 Tries: Harris, Moceidreke. Goals: Moceidreke (0/2).
Melbourne Storm: 24 Tries: Welch, Tualau, Krissome, Stimson Goals: Munster (4/4). Penalty Goals: Munster (2/2)/
