Manly Warringah Sea Eagles recorded a crushing 38-12 win over South Sydney at ANZ Stadium tonight in round 16 of the Holden Cup competition.
The Sea Eagles turned in one of their finest performances of the season under Coach David Heath. The win moves Manly Warringah into fourth place on 20 points subject to weekend results.
The match started off on a perfect note for the visitors – a repeat set of six from a short kick-off led to second-rower James Parker scoring out wide. Hooker Hugh Pratt converted for a 6-0 lead after two minutes.
Manly-Warringah went to a 10-0 lead after 14 minutes when prop turned centre Addison Demetriou offloaded in a three man tackle for winger Jesse Bogle to score. Hooker Hugh Pratt converted from the sideline for a 12-0 lead after 15 minutes.
A great crossfield kick on the last tackle by five-eighth Will Pearsall saw lock Darcy Cox leap high to catch the ball to score next to the posts. Pratt converted to give the Sea Eagles an 18-0 lead after 19 minutes.
A penalty goal to Pratt stretched the lead to 20-0 after 30 minutes.
2nd Half
The Sea Eagles extended their lead to 24-0 when Demetriou scored off a kick by Pratt. The try was converted by Pratt for a 26-0 lead.
South Sydney hit back with a try to second-rower Angus Crichton scored. Half-back Eli Levido converted to leave the home side trailing 26-6 after 59 minutes.
Manly hit back almost immediately when the ball was spread left through the backline for centre Brad Parker to dummy and score out wide. Pratt converted for a 32-6 lead after 63 minutes.
A quick play the ball by Demetriou off a strong run led to half-back and captain Riley Travers scoring out wide. Winger Bailey-Shiach-Wise converted for a 38-6 lead after 78 minutes.
Souths scored a converted consolation try through full-back Devon Makoare-Boyce on full-time for the 38-12 scoreline.
