Melbourne halfback Matt Orford kicked a 40m goal to break the deadlock as the Storm beat the New Zealand Warriors 14-12 in their National Rugby League match at Auckland's Ericsson Stadium.

Both sides scored two tries in a scrappy match punctuated by handling errors in wet conditions, but Orford's 71st minute penalty - which just snuck over the crossbar - proved the difference.

The result kept the Storm's top-eight playoff chances alive and drew them level with the Warriors on 26 points and into sixth place on the NRL ladder.

The Storm led 8-0 at halftime after interchange forward Kirk Reynoldson scored the opening try in the 30th minute.

The Warriors though, coming off the bye last weekend, replied immediately after the break with Clinton Toopi barging over from close range.

Centre Vinnie Anderson's try then put the Warriors in front eight minutes into the second half after a great short ball from Thomas Leuluai.

The visitors set up a thrilling final 15 minutes when wing Marcus Bai scored wide out to make it 12-12 before Orford's crucial final goal.

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