The fighting qualities of the Manly Leagues team in the Sydney Shield was again evident to see in their 28-22 loss to Ryde-Eastwood Hawks on Sunday.
With their season all but over against the finals bound Hawks, the seventh placed Sea Eagles fought to the very end at TG Milner Field in the five tries to four loss.
After conceding an early try, the Sea Eagles drew level in the 10th minute after second-rower Lachlan Armstrong put winger Munga Baruani over in the corner for a 4-all scoreline.
Seven minutes later, the Sea Eagles took a 10-4 lead when prop Nicholas Bilsborough showed true grit to carry several defenders over the line to score a converted try next to the posts.
The Sea Eagles then conceded a try in the 39th minute to go into half-time locked at 10-all.
Manly Leagues started the second half slowly, conceding a try in the 46th minute to trail 16-10 before a spilt bomb saw the ball bounce favourably into the arms of full-back Jake Smith to race 90 metres to score three minutes later to lock it up at 16-all.
The Sea Eagles then took a 22-16 lead two minutes later after hooker TJ Herring backed up a break down the left side by winger Lachlan Burt to race away to score under the posts.
The Hawks then reduced the score to 22-20 with a try four minutes later before regaining the lead eight minutes from full-time with a converted try to maker it 26-22.
A penalty goal three minutes later gave the Hawks a six point win.
With the top five teams making the finals, the Sea Eagles head into the final round this weekend three points behind fifth place.
Manly Leagues now play Hills Bulls at 4 Pines Park on Saturday, August 17, at 2.15pm.
