Wests Tigers Cubs have ended their Cultural and Development Tour of New Zealand on a winning note by defeating the Warriors' Under 18's squad 34-18 at Mt Smart Stadium.
In the curtain-raiser to the highly-anticipated first grade clash, the Cubs built a twenty point advantage in the first half and held on for victory in front of a rapidly-building crowd in Auckland.
Much to the delight of the home fans, the Warriors got away to a fast start with an early length-of-the-field try in the 8th minute.
However, it wasn't long before the Cubs hit back through winger Ofele Lene, who planted the ball down in the corner to take the lead.
Fresh off a successful experience in the Under 19's Origin arena, Justin Matamua then broke the game open with a bust through the middle of the field that allowed Heith Pritchard to score under the posts to extend the lead.
The Cubs put on two more tries before half-time, with the second try coming off the back of a break from Western Suburbs Magpies Harold Matthews Cup premiership winner Lachlan Galvin.
Wade Zreika was the beneficiary of Galvin's run, with the centre crossing the line to cement his side's convincing lead at the break.
Both sides traded tries to start the second half, with William Craig crossing in the 42nd minute before the Warriors struck down the edge.
Any chance of a Warriors comeback was soon dashed as the Cubs put on a terrific team try, with SG Ball Cup halfback Levi Conti scoring under the posts to put the result beyond doubt.
Two late consolation tries to the Warriors cut the winning margin to sixteen points.
