Manly Warringah Sea Eagles suffered a 48-12 loss to the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium today in round 23 of the Jersey Flegg Cup.
The Raiders opened the scoring in the minute when second-rower Kai O’Donnell crashed over near the posts in the sixth minute. Half-back Toby Westcott converted for a 6-0 lead.
Manly was denied a try a few minutes later to Tyran Ott before the Raiders capitalised with a try in the following set to winger Semi Valemei after he used his pace to split the defence in a strong run. Westcott converted for a 12-0 lead after 14 minutes.
Canberra full-back Harley Smith-Shields showed some great determination to push off the defence to score out wide for a 16-0 lead in 18 minutes. The try was not converted from out wide.
The Raiders went to a 20-0 lead when centre Gideon Afemui scored off a crossfield kick in the 32nd minute after the ball was fumbled in goal by winger Roly Podesta. Westcott converted from the sideline for a 22-0 lead.
Canberra then scored a miraculous try as the half-time siren when Afemui scored his second try after the Raiders kept the ball alive with some razzle dazzle. Westcott failed to convert for a 26-0 lead at half-time.
The Raiders went to a 32-0 lead through a converted try to hooker Kyle Paterson before Manly got on the board when hooker Jack Birt crashed over next to the posts. Podesta converted for a 32-6 scoreline after 43 minutes.
Manly then lost prop Neihana Oldham to the sin-bin five minutes later. The Raiders took advantage quickly when centre Matthew Timoko crossed out wide a minute later. Westcott converted for a 38-6 lead with 19 minutes remaining.
The Sea Eagles then lost centre Dane Oostendorp-Power to the sin-bin before the referee called him back after a report from the touch judge for dissent. He was then sent-off in the 53rd minute.
Canberra capitalised two minutes later through a try in the right corner to winger Manase Kaho for a 42-6 lead. Westcott converted for a 44-6 lead with 10 minutes remaining.
Kaho scored his second try three minutes later to finish off a length of the field try for a 48-6 lead.
Manly scored a late consolation try in the left corner to winger Michael Pokia. Birt converted from the sideline for a 48-12 scoreline with two minutes remaining.
The bottom placed Sea Eagles play their final match of the season against Penrith at HE Laybutt Field, Blacktown, next Sunday, September 1. Kick-off 1.10pm.
