The Sea Eagles faced defeat as the South Sydney Rabbitohs snuck away with a 16-14 scoreline on a hot afternoon at 4 Pines Park. The two sides went toe-to-toe in the opening round of the Jersey Flegg Cup as they battled for the two competition points.
Despite scoring the first try of both halves, Manly weren’t able to fight back from a 10-4 deficit at halftime and lost in unfortunate circumstances. They had a chance to level the scores in the dying stages of the match, to no avail as their attempted penalty goal was sent wide.
The home side were tested early after conceding a knock-on in the opening set of the match. Despite the early setback, they showcased their grit in defence and held out the Rabbitohs for two consecutive.
Manly’s resilience paid off and they were awarded with a try in the sixth minute for Max Hayley. The second-rower took a short ball at the line and crashed through the defence for an early four point lead.
The Sea Eagles were inches away from their second try in the 19th minute, with the efforts of winger Una Uasi unfortunately being matched by his opposing winger, with the Rabbitohs player taking him over the sideline to scupper the chance.
South Sydney capitalised on their newfound momentum and scored in the very next set. Winger Rowan McIntosh dived over in the corner, beating Uasi in their second meeting in a matter of minutes to level the scores at four-all.
Rabbitohs fullback Dane Towns scored minutes before halftime after countless sets at Manly’s line. Towns took advantage of the Sea Eagles’ fatigue and scored after scooping a loose ball up to score under the posts. Halfback Brent Hawkins converted from in front for a 10-4 lead at the break.
Manly came out the gates flying in the second half with a try in the opening minute for winger Teapo Stoltman. After taking advantage of a mistake from South Sydney, a well-worked team try concluded with a good effort from centre Charlie Thompson helped send the winger over in the corner for a 10-8 scoreline.
The Rabbitohs hit back in the 55th minute after a shift to the left edge saw centre Carson Kaho score in the corner. Hawkins converted from the sideline to give his side an eight-point lead.
The home side refused to be put away at 4 Pines Park as they brought the match back to within touching distance. Forward Carsen Patu slammed the ball down underneath the posts with seven minutes to play. Fullback Blake Metcalfe converted from in front to cut the deficit to two points.
South Sydney almost threw away their lead after giving away a penalty in the dying minutes. Metcalfe had the opportunity to tie the game for the Sea Eagles but unfortunately sent his shot wide, with the mistake proving costly as the Rabbitohs hopped away with a narrow two-point victory.
The Sea Eagles take on the Sydney Roosters in Round Two of the Jersey Flegg cup, on Sunday March 17,12pm at 4 Pines Park.
Rabbitohs 16 (Tries: Rowan McIntosh 20’, Dane Towns 32’, Brent Hawkins 2/3 goals) def. Sea Eagles 14 (Tries: Max Hayley 6’, Teapo Stoltman 40’, Carsen Patu 62’, Blake Metcalf 1/4 goals)
