Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have recorded a hard fought 18-16 victory over the Warriors in the NSW Cup competition.
The Warriors went into the game at Mt Smart Stadium as equal competition leaders and sitting on 26 points with the Sea Eagles back in 11th place and equal last on competition points.
However it was the Sea Eagles who were more determined and hungry for the vital two competition points that keeps their finals hopes alive. Manly Warringah move to 16 points, four points outside eighth position.
The Warriors opened the scoring through winger Ken Maumalo for a 4-0 lead before the visitors drew level with a try to second-rower Justin Horo. Half-back Manaia Rudolph converted to give the Sea Eagles a 6-4 lead after 23 minutes.
Ten minutes later, some slick passing from five-eighth Jack Littlejohn and centre Tony Satini saw winger David Williams dive over. Rudolph converted the try for a 12-4 lead after 34 minutes.
The Sea Eagles stretched their lead to 16-4 when full-back Dom Reardon sliced through a gap to score. Rudolph converted his second try from the sideline to give the visitors a handy 18-4 lead at half-time.
2nd Half
The Warriors reduced the lead to 18-8 through a try to Kouma Samson. The try was converted by half-back Mason Lino for an 18-10 scoreline.
The home side got back to 18-14 when lock David Bhana crashed over next to the posts. Mason converted to leave the Warriors trailing 18-16 after 69 minutes.
The Sea Eagles dug deep in the last 10 minutes to record a well-deserved win.
