Brave Sea Eagles fight to end in women's loss

A brave and spirited Manly Warringah Sea Eagles gave their all in going down 18-10 to Harvey Norman Women's competition leaders Wentworthville today.

Manly went into the round five game at Ringrose Park against the undefeated Magpies with two wins from four in their opening month to sit fourth on the ladder in their first season in the open age competition.

The Sea Eagles made the most of their early possession and were rewarded in the ninth minute when prop Tanika-Jazz Nobel-Bell used her strength to beat three defenders to score next to the posts for a 6-0 lead.

The Magpies drew level in the 14th minute after lock Zali Waihape crashed over under the posts for a 6- all scoreline.

Manly regained the lead through some smart play on the back of a barnstorming run from Ngatokotoru Arakua that saw her tackled just short of the line.

After the ball was sent right, the Sea Eagles shifted it back to the left through some good hands before centre/captain Shontelle Stowers sent winger Pier Pritchard over in the corner for a 10-6 lead after 25 minutes.

The Sea Eagles showed some real grit in defence in the opening eight minutes of the second half before a quick penalty tap from Magpies full-back/captain Caitlin Turnbull saw her race 55 metres to score an individual try to make it 10-all.

A penalty goal to the Magpies saw the home side take a 12-10 lead with 18 minutes remaining.

The Magpies went to an 18-10 lead with eight minutes left after second-rower Leilani Wilson hit a gap out wide to fend off the defence to score.

Although beaten, the Sea Eagles really pushed the Magpies in another strong sign of the talent and toughness in this team in positive signs going forward for the women's game at Manly.

The Colormaker Industries Player of the Match award went to Ngatokotoru Arakua.