Manly Warringah Sea Eagles continued their quest for a top four spot in the Jersey Flegg Cup with a strong 48-8 victory over a brave Kaiviti Silktails at 4 Pines Park today.
The Sea Eagles were always in control against a very enthusiastic and physical Silktails team from Fiji, who were chasing their first win of the season in their debut year in the Jersey Flegg.
The victory moves Manly from fifth into third spot, subject to weekend results.
Manly opened the scoring in the fifth minute after prop Devante Mihinui charged over under the posts off a good short ball from half Travis May for a 6-0 lead.
Mihuniu returned to the team after making his NSW Cup debut for Blacktown Workers in the win over Souths last week.
A smart grubber kick from Manly full-back Kallum Weatherall-Stacey saw tall winger Nepote Taufa fall on the ball to make it 10-0 lead after 10 minutes.
The Silktails hit back with a try in the 17th minute after second-rower Ratu Kaveni Rosau pushed off centre Oliver Lawry to score out wide for a 10-4 scoreline.
Manly second-rower Max Hayley was stretchered off the field four minutes later after being hit hard by a defender as he casually strolled around to put the ball down behind the posts, only to be held up. The referee ruled no a penalty try.
From the ensuring penalty, Mihinui powered his way over to score his second for a 16-4 lead after 24 minutes.
Taufa grabbed his second when he stepped past a desperate defence to score in the corner after a nice play to the left for a 20-4 lead.
Manly finished the first half with a nice backline play for right winger Una Uasi to dive over in the corner for a 24-4 lead.
The Silktails hit back eight minutes after half-time when they capitalised on a spilt bomb for winger Bili Taria to cross for a 24-8 scoreline.
Manly responded quickly when prop Kylan Mafoa made a barnstorming run to score next to the posts for a 30-8 lead with 15 minutes remaining.
It became 36-8 when half-back Travis May strolled to the line untouched after Uasi was pulled down after a 50 metre run following a good offload by centre Alton Naiyep.
Konz then showed some nice footwork and strength to power his way over the line for a 42-8 lead with five minutes remaining.
Manly finished the game when forward Jesse Jackson scored under the posts off a kick from dummy half for the 48-8 scoreline.
