A superb attacking display saw the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles crush St George Dragons 56-24 at Mascot Oval today in round nine of the SG Ball Cup.
The Sea Eagles ran in 10 tries to four in another impressive performance under Coach Brett Fulton with Kaeo Weekes, Tolutau Koula, and Cameron Brown scoring two tries each. Half-back Jamie Humphreys kicked eight from 10 goals.
The win was Manly's fifth in seven games and moves them back to equal competition leaders subject to other results. The win comes on the back of last week's huge 60-0 victory over Penrith.
A mistake by the Dragons on their 40 metre line saw defence quickly turn into attack for the Sea Eagles. A great break by speedy centre Tolutau Koula saw him almost score before the ball was swung wide for winger Cameron Brown to score in the fourth minute. Half-back Jamie Humphreys failed to convert from out wide for a 4-0 lead.
Three minutes later, the Sea Eagles were in again when powerful lock Siua Fotu produced a fine offload for prop Seturi Iakopo to score next to the posts. Humphreys converted for a 10-0 lead.
Humphreys then split the defence before offloading a brilliant one handed pass for full-back Kaeo Weekes to show his pace to score behind the posts. Humphreys converted for a 16-0 lead after 16 minutes.
Seven minutes later, skillful hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong split the defence up the middle before the captain sent Weekes on his way for his second try under the posts. Humphreys converted for a 22-0 lead.
The Dragons got on the board in the 26th minute when winger Patrick Taukafa backed up some fine play to score in the corner. Half-back Dantoray Lui converted from the sideline for a 22-6 scoreline.
Chan Kum Tong then broke through several tackles to send Hunta Saunders over for an easy try. Humphreys converted to give the Sea Eagles a commanding 28-6 lead at half-time.
The Dragons started the second half off strongly when full-back Tom Pitkethley crossed for a try on the last tackle of the opening set. Lui converted for a 28-12 scoreline.
A Manly error saw the Dragons go on the attack before Epeli Sukanaivalu scored from a kick under the posts. He converted his own try to leave the Dragons trailing 28-18.
Koula then displayed his electrfying pace when he raced away to score after Humphreys took an intercept pass. Humphreys converted for a 34-18 lead after 48 minutes.
A fantastic hit up by prop James Uesele got the Sea Eagles going again, resulting in Chan Kum Tong scoring after Manly made 90 metres in five tackles. Humphreys converted for a 40-18 lead after 51 minutes.
Uesele was at his destructive best again two minutes later. A few plays later, the Sea Eagles crossed again through Brown. Humphreys converted from out wide for a 46-18 lead.
From the re-start, some more great attacking play saw Manly cross in the corner through winger Uluaki Tuipulotu for a 50-18 lead.
Koula scored his second try in the 64th minute when he took an intercept pass to race 90 metres to score. Humphreys converted for a 56-18 lead.
The Dragons scored a late try through Adam Runchel next to the posts. Lui converted for the 56-24 scoreline.
