The St George Illawarra Dragons were defeated 40-18 by the Melbourne Storm at Gosch’s Park, Melbourne on Saturday.
The Young Dragons scored four tries in the loss with doubles to both Dee Jay Harris and Izaac Thompson.
Head Coach Ben Hornby had made several changes leading into the fixture with Abraham Atallah replacing Thomas Freebairn as starting lock-forward.
The visitors entered the encounter in search of their third win in succession but were dealt early blows when Storm winger Tony Tumusa scored in the fourth minute.
Storm halfback Mack Mason converted to make it 6-0.
The hosts extended their lead when Tumusa crossed to score his second of the game moments later.
The Dragons however fought hard and managed to reply through centre Izaac Thompson midway through the stanza.
The home side though re-extended their advantage when second-rower Charlie Galo crossed minutes before the interval.
Mason converted to make it 16-4.
The Storm continued their momentum with Tumusa scoring a hat-trick much to the jubilee of the crowd when second-half play commenced.
Storm utility Aiden Taua etched his name on to the score sheet to make it 28-4 in the 53rd minute.
The visitors managed to rally and scored their second try of the fixture through winger Dee Jay Harris just before the hour mark.
Dragons second-rower Ryan James converted to make it 28-10.
The Young Dragons continued their efforts and soon have themselves scoring a further four-points when Harris notched his second in the 67th minute.
Unfortunately, the local Kembla Blacks junior’s efforts were undone when Storm centre Junior Kirisome scored to make it 32-14.
Mason converted to make it 34-14.
Thompson took matters into his own hands and banked a double of his own with minutes remaining on the clock.
Yet, Storm prop Shae Ah Fook dented any hopes of the visitors making a comeback when he barged his way over in the 77th minute.
Mason converted to make it 40-18.
St George Illawarra Dragons 18. Tries: Harris (2), Thompson (2). Goals: James (1/4).
Melbourne Storm 40. Tries: Tumusa (3), Galo, Taua, Kirisome, Ah Fook. Goals: Mason (6/7).
