Sea Eagles fight hard in loss to Bulldogs
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles turned in a gallant effort in going down 36-24 to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at 4 Pines Park today in round one of the Jersey Flegg.
The Sea Eagles opened the scoring with a lovely crisp pass from talented halfback and captain Harradyn Wilson to send second rower Kylan Mafoa over for a 4-0 lead after three minutes. Wilson spent the pre-season training with Manly's NRL squad.
Canterbury-Bankstown were quick to hit back off a short side play which saw second rower Harry Hayes score next to the posts. Eli Clark converted to make the score 6-4 after 10 minutes.
Some end-to-end footy saw the Bulldogs score against the run of play through winger Samuel Kanaan in the 21st minute for a 10-4 lead.
Manly hit back in the 25th minute through five-eighth Joshua Russell after he utilised his pace and determination to beat the cover defence to score next to the posts. Wilson converted in the 27th minute to make it 10 all.
With five minutes remaining in the first half, Manly winger Cameron Brown leaped above his opposite number to catch an attacking bomb. Brown juggled the ball but regained possession to slam it down in the corner to give Manly a 14-10 lead at half-time.
The Bulldogs were the first to cross the stripe in the second half after forward Isaac Matalavea-Booth received an inside ball to score next to the posts. Eli Clark converted to make the score 16-14 after 39 minutes.
Manly was quick to hit back through second rower Kylan Mafoa who scored his second try after beating two defenders with sheer brute strength to score in the corner to give the home side an 18-16 lead.
The back-and-forth action continued, with the Bulldogs scoring next in the 47th minute through prop Timothy Johannssen next to the posts. The try was converted by Eli Clark to make the score 22-18.
Forward Isaac Matalavea-Booth helped extend the Bulldogs lead after running over four defenders to score underneath the posts for a 28-18 lead with 16 minutes remaining.
Manly lock James Uesele used his late footwork at the line to then beat a couple of defenders to score. Wilson converted from next to the posts for a 28-24 scoreline.
Bulldogs five-eighth Joseph O'Neill showed his composure and craftsmanship by capitalising on some handy field possession. A nasty show and go saw him score next to the posts for a a 34-24 scoreline.
A late penalty goal to the Bulldogs saw them secure the 36-24 victory.
The Sea Eagles play Melbourne Storm next Saturday, March 11, at AAMI Park at 5pm.
