History awaits young Sea Eagles

Author: Wayne Cousins
Timestamp: Wed 2 May 2018, 01:29 PM

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles can finish off a fine season in the Harold Matthews Cup by creating history at Leichhardt Oval this Saturday.

The Sea Eagles tackle Parramatta Eels in the U16s decider after both sides advanced with quality victories at St Marys Stadium last Saturday.

Manly recorded a gutsy 22-10 win over Penrith Panthers in an enthralling Preliminary Final that saw the Sea Eagles show tremendous determination in defence to hold out constant Penrith attacking raids to end the minor premiers season.

The victory sees Manly into their second consecutive Harold Matthews Grand Final after the Sea Eagles narrowly lost to Newcastle last year in what was the Club's first ever grand final appearance in the U16s competition. It is further proof of the success of the Sea Eagles junior pathways program.

Parramatta made it through to the Grand Final after downing Newcastle 36-12.

The Grand Final marks the third time Manly and Parramatta will clash this season with the honours currently shared.

Parramatta won 14-10 in round two at Cabramatta with the Sea Eagles denied a try in the corner in the final minute on a forward pass call.

In their most recent clash, Manly held on to win 26-24 after the Eels missed a conversion attempt after the siren from the sideline in what was an epic battle.

The Eels are the most successful club in the Harold Matthews competition, having won 20 premiership titles, including the very first title in 1970.

Manly vs Parramatta

Head to Head 2018

Played 2: Manly 1, Parramatta 1

Rd 2: Parramatta 14-10

Qualifying final: Manly 26-24

Harold Matthews Cup Premierships

Parramatta: 20

Manly: 0

Sea Eagles team

1 Tolu Koula

2 Cameron Brown