Storm brave weather for comeback victory

Karratha Storm have kicked off their 2015 Pilbara Rugby League campaign with a five-point come-from-behind victory over the Karratha Broncos.

In windy and damp conditions at the Leisureplex, the Broncos bogged the Storm down in their defensive 20 and dominated possession in the first half.

Both teams' defensive lines held strong but shear weight of possession and field position led to a 16-4 half-time lead for the Broncos thanks to three tries from Anthony Lolohea.

With the breeze on their side in the second half, the Storm made use of high kicks and their big forwards to find gaps in a stubborn Broncos defence.

The Storm recovered to be 16-14 down in the final 10 minutes.

A converted try to Mitch Willmot and penalty kick in the final minute sealed the deal as the Storm kept their opposition scoreless in the second half to win 21-16.

Storm coach Morgan Leaf said his players were eager to get on to the field.

"The wind had a bit to do with it being difficult to run out of our own half in the first half," he said.

"I said to the boys territory is going to play a big factor in the win for us.

"Both sides kept dropping the ball quite a bit so we just had to get it down their end and work off their mistakes.

"It was a good first hit out for the boys and should be a big season."

Leaf singled out young fullback Elijah Busher for his solid performance.

Broncos coach Paul Veenstra said he was pleased his boys managed to hold out until the final minutes.