Manly Warringah Sea Eagles opened their Harold Matthews Cup today with a strong 40-12 win over the Newcastle Knights at Lottoland.
Despite the heavy rain in Sydney over the last few days, the Lottoland surface was in superb condition thanks to the efforts of the Northern Beaches Council’s maintenance team.
The Knights opened the scoring when prop Jarred Williams hit the line hard from 10 metres out. Centre Ethan Ferguson scored for a 6-0 lead.
Manly got on the board when forward Raymond Lole busted several defenders in a strong 20 metre run to score under the posts in the 17th minute. Hooker Ollie Cummins converted the try for a 6-all scoreline.
The Sea Eagles took a 10-6 lead after prop Samuela Fainu crashed over from a strong run. Cummins converted for a 12-6 lead.
Manly then took an 18-6 lead into half-time when Cummins converted his own try after he crashed over from dummy half.
Second half
The Knights reduced the margin with a try to Liam Williams near the posts in the 47th minute for an 18-12 scoreline. Ferguson converted the try.
Manly went to a 22-12 lead when captain Josh Feledy scored. Cummins converted the try for a 24-12 lead with 16 minutes remaining.
Some nice quick hands saw Manly five-eighth Latu Fainu score with 11 minutes remaining. Half-back Alfred Ah Chong converted the try for a 30-12 lead.
The Sea Eagles then finished off a nice backline play with a try to winger Heta Tulima in the right corner for a 34-12 lead.
Manly finished the scoring inside the final seconds of the game when Drew Williams crashed over. Ah Chong converted the try for the 40-12 scoreline.
Photos: Jordon Ovington
