Roosters impressive comeback too little too late

THE Sydney Roosters came close to clawing their way back from defeat against the Melbourne Storm, but even this amazing try wasn’t enough to take the win.

NRL Finals Series - Semi Final action at Allianz Stadium. Sydney City Roosters host Melbourne Storm. Sio Siua Taukeiaho scores Roosters try.

IN a game that had fans on the edge of their seats right until the last set, the boys from Bondi left it until the final quarter to turn on the fireworks.

Despite the two-point difference to their scorelines heading into the half-time break, Melbourne seemed to have all the momentum on their side as the second forty launched.

With a try at the 53-minute mark, the Storm were making short work of the home side, who for the most part looked underdone after returning from the sheds.

However the 64th minute saw a spark of the attacking brilliance the minor premiers have made famous in their path to a number one seeding in this year’s regular season.

A 40-metre linebreak from centre Michael Jennings left the Storm defence scrambling back to their posts, before young-gun half Jackson Hastings dropped the ball on his foot for one of the best kick-pass connections of the year — Shaun Kenny-Dowall the welcome receiver of an amazing touch.

HOW GOOD! The Roosters turn on the brilliance! #NRLRoostersStorm #NRLFinals http://t.co/t2V5rVP4qE

— NRL (@NRL) September 11, 2015

Unfortunately for the Roosters, their brilliance came a little too late, as Melbourne opened up the NRL title race with their 20-18 qualifying-final upset win.

The Storm overcame the loss of their winger Marika Koroibete and prop Jordan McLean to end the Roosters’ 12-game winning streak.

Craig Bellamy’s men have earned a week off, progressing to within one game of the grand final with the upset victory.

The Roosters, who have been premiership favourites for most of the year, face a do-or-die semi-final against Canterbury or St George Illawarra next Friday at the same venue.

Tim Glasby’s try took the Storm’s lead out to eight points with as many minutes remaining.

The Storm were reduced to two men on the bench when McLean went off with a right knee injury but extended their lead when Matt Duffie flew high and batted it back for Tim Glasby for a 20-12 lead with eight minutes left.

The Storm had to hold off a late Roosters surge after Blake Ferguson crossed in the 74th minute to reduce the deficit to two. Just when it looked like the Roosters were down and out, a short kickoff gifted them field position and Ferguson powered over.

While the Roosters have been clinical all year, their poor kicking and fifth-tackle options prevented them building pressure.

However despite the late surge from Ferguson, the Storm held on for a memorable victory.

— with Steve Zemek, AAP

Originally published as Roosters impressive comeback too little too late