The NYC side lost their first game of the season on Saturday night in an error-ridden performance against the Penrith Panthers at Pepper Stadium.
The young Silvertails headed into the match as competition leaders with a perfect record in 2015 but came up against fired up Penrith, and it showed early on as the defence was strong from both.
The young Panthers were the first team to get themselves on the scoresheet after surviving some early pressure from the Sea Eagles. Centre Maliko Filino barged his way over in the corner after some decent field position. The kick was unsuccessful and the panthers lead 4-0.
The next few minutes saw the Panthers pile on the pressure forcing a repeat set as they looked to extend their lead; however, the Sea Eagles held out and off the back of a penalty, second rower Rhys James found his way to the line. Hugh Pratt made the kick look easy and the Sea Eagles went in front.
The Sea Eagles extended their lead soon after when returning half, Riley Travers, burst through the line before flicking it to Matt Douglas who scored near the posts. Pratt was unable to convert and the Sea Eagles lead by a converted try.
The game petered out towards the end of the first half and Manly went into the sheds leading the Panthers 10-4.
The second half began as the first ended with neither side giving an inch in defence.
The boys from the Northern Beaches looked most likely to score, however they were unable to make their chances count and against the run of play the Panthers levelled the score when, Maliko Filino scored his second.
The game then opened up when the Panthers’ next set resulted in six points. Going straight through the defence, five-eighth Dylan Edwards found his fullback, Brent Naden on his inside who then had too much pace to be caught and the young fullback slid in under the posts.
The Panthers then took full control of the game when they scored their third try in five minutes. Corey Harawira-Narea was to strong close to the line and with a successful kick the Panther lead 22-10 with 20 minutes to go.
It was turning out to be the Panthers day, who were making the best of their chances. Harawira-Narea went over for his second when the Sea Eagles were scattered in defence.
The Penrith side wrapped up the game when Josh Jay scored in the corner after some decent lead up work by his inside centre.
The Panthers continued to apply the points and were thoroughly enjoying their day out when Jack Nelson crashed over after a dummy half run.
The Manly side grabbed one consolation try right on the hooter when Scott Moran didn’t give up on a grubber chase and was able to get a hand to the ball to score a four pointer.
The Panthers convincing winners 36-16, handing the NYC Sea Eagles side thier first loss in 2015.
Become a member today and support your might Sea Eagles!
