Gallant Manly side fall to Parramatta in Harold Matts
Three early tries from the Parramatta Eels proved too much for a spirited Manly Warringah Sea Eagles side in the Harold Matthews Cup at Brookvale on Saturday, going down 30-10.
Parramatta made the most of early possession with a sweeping play that led to winger Lorima Rokosuka crossing for the first try. Winger Dominic Farrugia converted to make the score 6-0 after three minutes.
In the 11th minute, the Eels scored under the posts through hooker Zaidas Muagututia. Farrugia converted the try to push Parramattas lead out to 12.
Two minutes later, Muagututia crossed underneath the posts for his second try, utilising his brute strength and speed for an 18-0 lead.
Centre Benjamin Keene-O'Keefe scored Manly’s opening try in the 21st minute after he scooped up a loose ball and ran 80 metres to score underneath the uprights. His blinding pace saw him outrun the Eels' cover defence. Winger George Mapuilesua converted the try making the score 18-6.
In the last nine minutes of the first half, Manly found some confidence from their opening try, which saw them aim up in defence and play a more expensive brand of football.
Unfortunately for the home side, they couldn’t capitalise on their momentum leaving scores at 18-6 at halftime.
Parramatta looked certain to score in the 35th minute through forward Junior Siale but Manly’s cover defence stood tall, causing Siale to lose the ball over the line.
Eels’ Halfback Lorenzo Talataina set up his fullback Corey Leigh with a crisp inside ball for Corey Leigh run 50 metres to score. Dominic Farrugia added the extras making the score 24-6 after 41 minutes
Prop Mikayel Tito crashed underneath the posts six minutes later for a 30-6 lead.
The away side had plenty of possession in the last 20 minutes however, the Sea Eagles were brave and kept turning up for one another.
Manly was rewarded for this gallant effort with a late try in the second last minute of the match through winger Carson Tmalii for the 30-10 scoreline.
The Sea Eagles face the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round 8 of the UNE Harold Mathews Cup at Redfern Oval on Saturday, March 25, from 11:45 am.
