Sea Eagles brave in hard fought loss to Raiders
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles suffered an 18-14 loss to the Canberra Raiders at Brookvale Oval today in a hard fought SG Ball Cup match.
Both sides produced some gritty defence in a tightly fought contest that went down to the wire after the scores were locked 6-all at half-time.
Manly NRL top 30 player Latui Fainu got the Sea Eagles off to a flying start when the five-eighth split the defence open on halfway to find centre Koby Douglas in support to score. Half-back Tylor Bunting converted for an early 6-0 lead after two minutes.
Some silky back play and crafty lead-up work saw Canberra hit back through second rower Joseph Roddy. Keahn Skipps converted for a 6-all scoreline after 10 minutes.
The next 15 minutes were riddled with Manly errors, handing Canberra a flurry of possession. However, Manly’s defence stood strong and managed to keep the Raiders out.
A blindside dummy half scoop saw the Canberra fullback Chevy Stewart held up over the line by opposing fullback Lehi Hopoate. On the very next play, big forward Tahrell Feaveai was disallowed a try next to the posts.
On the stroke of halftime, Manly looked set to take the lead when Mitchell Taotua utilised his speed and strength to be pulled down five metres short of the line to leave the scores locked at 6-all at half-time.
After 10 minutes of back-and-forth footy, a one-on-one steal by Fainu gifted his side valuable possession inside Canberrra's half. The home side capitalised on this possession through winger Teapo Stoltman after he slammed the ball down in the corner to give Manly a 10-6 lead after 45 minutes.
The Raiders drew level with five minutes to go when full-back Chevy Stewart scored out wide. Skipps converted from the sideline for a 12-10 lead.
Canberra sealed victory when Skipps scored next to the posts a minute later. He converted his own try for an 18-10 lead.
Manly hit back almost immediately when a break by Fainu sent Stoltman over in the corner for an 18-14 scoreline. The Sea Eagles had one last opportunity inside the final seconds but came up short.
The Sea Eagles now play Penrith Panthers at Brookvale Oval next Saturday, February 25, at 2pm.
