Manly Warringah Sea Eagles were defeated 31-20 by the New Zealand Warriors in Round 2 of the NSW Cup at Go Media Stadium, Auckland.
Match: Warriors v Sea Eagles
Round 2 -
home Team
Warriors
1st Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
11th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
The Sea Eagles jumped out to a 12-0 lead but trailed 18-12 at half time, with a strong finish by the Warriors in the final quarter.
The match was just seven minutes old when Manly lock Dean Matterson collected a Jake Arthur kick which took a deflection off a Warriors player.
Five minutes later the Sea Eagles were in again when Navren Willett received quick service from his fullback Charlie Thompson to put the visitors up 12-0.
The Warriors opening try was a long range effort that came midway through the first half, taking advantage of a fallen player.
With Manly centre Jordan Swann receiving treatment after copping a heavy hit, the Warriors pounced, exploiting the space created with second rower Kayliss Fatialofa scoring down the left edge.
Ten minutes out from half time the Warriors levelled the score at 12-12 when Sea Eagles winger Ray Tuaimalo Vaega was unable to diffuse a bomb, resulting in a try to prop Tom Ale.
The Warriors hit the front just before half time when right centre Rocco Berry combined well with his fullback to send hooker Sam Healey on his way to the line to have his team up 18-12 at the break.
Manly scored back to back tries in the first 10 minutes of the opening half to take a 20-18 lead, the first to Aaron Schoupp and the next to right centre Swann.
But the home side hit back, taking the lead on the hour mark when Te Maire Martin used good footwork to beat a couple of Manly players to score from close range.
Warriors edge forward Jacob Laban then scored with about 14 minutes to play to put his side ahead 30-20.
A Tanner Boyd drop goal sailed through the sticks as the full time siren sounded, to give the Warriors a 31-20 victory.
