Manly Warringah Sea Eagles recorded a convincing 40-18 victory over Wests Tigers at Brookvale Oval today in round 18 of the NSW Cup.
Returning to their beloved ‘Fortress Brookvale’, the Sea Eagles produced one of their finest performances of the season to keep their finals hopes alive.
It was the second time the Sea Eagles have easily beaten Wests Tigers this season.
In a match in which they were never headed, the Sea Eagles took a commanding 18-0 lead into half-time on the back of two tries to full-back Dom Reardon and one to hard-working prop and captain Siosaia Vave. Half-back Kurt Aldridge converted all three tries.
Centre Tony Satini stretched the home side’s lead to 22-0 minutes after half time before Wests Tigers rallied to reduce the margin to 22-8 after 54 minutes.
The Sea Eagles then jumped to a 28-8 lead through a converted try to Aldridge before two tries in as many minutes to Brendan Santi and Tim Moltzen saw Wests Tigers reduce the lead to 28-18 after 66 minutes.
However the Sea Eagles refused to surrender their hard fought lead and a second try to Satini in the 69th minute saw the score out to 34-18.
Victory was sealed on full-time when Satini combined with winger David Williams for a 90 metre try converted by Aldridge for the 40-18 scoreline.
It was a well-deserved win for the Sea Eagles and Coach Luke Williamson, ho despite the team sitting on the bottom of the ladder before the match, kept the faith knowing his side still has plenty to offer in coming weeks in the charge to the top eight.
The win moves the Sea Eagles into 11th place on 14 points, two points behind the ninth placed Wests Tigers.
Manly Warringah have the bye next weekend.
Sea Eagles run home
Rd 19 bye
Rd 20 v NZ Warriors, Sat, July 25, Mt Smart Stadium, 2.40pm (local)
Rd 21 bye
Rd 22 v Wentworthville, Sat, August 9, Ringrose Park, 3pm
Rd 23 v Canterbury Bulldogs, Sat, August 15, Brookvale Oval, 3pm
Rd 24 v Wentworthville, Sat, August 22, Brookvale Oval, 3pm
Rd 25 v Newcastle, Sat, August 29, Brookvale Oval, 3pm
