A dominant first half performance laid the platform for Manly's 28-22 win over a spirited Kaiviti Silktails in Fiji today in round 22 of the Jersey Flegg Cup.
In a match played in very humid conditions at Churchill Park, Lautoka, the Sea Eagles raced to a commanding 28-0 lead at half-time before overcoming a late comeback from the Silktails, who are in their first season in the U21s competition.
The Sea Eagles opened the scoring in the second minute after a short pass from hooker Daniel O'Donnell saw prop Kylan Mafoa crash over under the posts for a 6-0 lead.
Manly went to a 12-0 lead after 10 minutes when centre Alton Naiyep backed up a break down the short side by half-back Travis May to race away to score.
A short ball from May saw prop Devante Mihinui crash over next to the posts for a 18-0 lead.
O'Donnell then delivered another short ball for Jesse Jackson to fall over the line for a 24-0 lead 10 minutes later.
Prop Carsen Patu then used his strength to crash over the posts off another O'Donnell short ball to make it 28-0 at half-time.
The Silktails opened their account in the 48th minute when winger Jone Navunidreudreu juggled a pass to score in the corner after a shift to the left to make it 28-6.
A break down the right flank from centre Sevanaia Tovutos saw full-back Sulio Loka scored under the posts to make it 28-12 after 53 minutes.
The Silktails set up a grandstand finish for their passionate home crowd when a break by centre Mitchell Poulter saw him send Tevita Wanisi over for a 28-18.
Two minutes, a long cut out pass from half-back Melikiseteki Nacaginimasei saw winger Tevita Wanisi cross over unmarked for a 28-22 scoreline.
The fifth placed Sea Eagles now take on competition leaders Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium, Canberra, at 10.30am on Saturday, August 10.
