Ahead of our Round 8 Telstra Premiership match in Gosford on Friday night, we take a trip down memory lane ahead at one of the great contests with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The date was July 19, 1987, a round 20 match at Redfern Oval, in front of a record crowd of 23,257 fans, with Manly winning 16-13.
After falling short of their premiership aspirations in 1986, the 1987 Sea Eagles squad finished the season as Minor Premiers before going on to win the Grand Final against the Canberra Raiders.
South Sydney also had premiership aspirations in 1987 but finished fifth for the season.
After Souths beat Manly 28-18 in Round 7, one of the game's of the season was played in round 20 at Redfern Ova with Manly searching for their 11th consecutive victory.
South Sydney opened the scoring through a brilliant solo effort from half-back Craig Coleman before a further try to Steve Mavin from a well worked scrum play saw the home side lead 10-0.
Three of Manly’s favorite sons Des Hasler, Cliffy Lyons and Paul Vautin combined before Ron 'Rambo' Gibbs crossed in what later was a contender for 'try of the year' after an incredible chip and chase for a 10-4 scoreline. Who said forwards shouldn’t kick!
Round 20 1987 - Extended Highlights : Souths v Sea Eagles
A ruck infringement from England prop Kevin Ward saw South Sydney convert a penalty goal for a 12-4 lead. Even today, Many are still scratching their heads as to what the infringement was for?
South Sydney then gave away a penalty in the ruck, allowing hooker Mal Cochrane to convert for a 12-6 scoreline.
Another Cochrane penalty goal, followed by a field goal by Souths five eighth Mark Ellison, saw the Sea Eagles trail 13-8 at half-time
Cochrane slotted another penalty goal to open the second half scoring to maker it 13-10 before some individual brilliance from Manly five-eighth Cliff Lyons from a scrum win gave Manly a 16-13 lead.
The Sea Eagles then dug deep late in the match to secure a well earned away victory.
How good was Rugby League in the '80s?
TEAM LISTS
Sea Eagles
14 Marty Gurr, 2 David Ronson, 3 Chris Close, 32 Matthew Loft, 5 Stuart Davis, 6. Cliff Lyons, 7 Des Hasler, 8 Paul Vautin (c), 9 Noel Cleal, 10 Ron Gibbs, 11 Kevin Ward, 12 Mal Cochrane, 13 Phil Daley; reserve: 20 Paul Shaw
Souths
1David Cruickshank, 2 Ross Harrington, 3 Steve Mavin,4 Michael Blake, 5 Jason Moon, 6 Mark Ellison, 7 Craig Coleman, 8 Michael Andrews, 9 Wayne Chisolm, 13 Ian Roberts, 11 Lindsay Johnston, 12 Mario Fenech (c), 21 David Boyle; reserves: 16 Luke Beasley, 10 Paul Roberts, 40 Michael Pobjie.
