Caption: The Sea Eagles celebrate a try to hooker Jayden Hodges against Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium today. Photo: Wayne Cousins
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have recorded an emphatic 34-18 victory over Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium today in round 14 of the NSW Cup.
The Sea Eagles overcame an early deficit to level at half-time before running away with the vital two competition points late in the game. The win moves the Luke Williamson coached Sea Eagles to 12 points, equal with the Wests Tigers and two points outside the eight.
The Sea Eagles had a few attacking opportunities in the opening 10 minutes with centre Brayden Wiliame being held up over the line.
Wests Tigers soaked up the pressure and hit back with two tries in three minutes through centre Delouise Hoeter. Half-back Josh Drinkwater converted both tries for a 12-0 lead after 14 minutes.
Manly Warringah opened their account in the 28th minute when winger Delroy Berryman scored under the posts off a break by second-rower Michael Chee Kam. Kurt Aldridge converted to leave the Sea Eagles trailing 12-6.
A forced mistake from a kick saw the Sea Eagles go on the attack 10 metres out in the 37th minute. A penalty followed to the visitors before Manly Warringah hooker Jayden Hodges capitalised when he darted over from dummy half to score next to the posts. Aldridge converted for a 12-all scoreline at half-time.
2nd Half
The Sea Eagles hit the lead for the first time when Hodges scored his second try. Aldridge converted for an 18-12 lead.
Wests Tigers hit back when winger Kurtis Rowe swooped on a grubber kick. Drinkwater’s conversion skimmed off the upright to make it 18-all.
Manly Warringah regained the lead when Chee Kam used his size to slam the ball down for a 22-18 lead. Aldridge converted for a 24-18 scoreline.
Berryman scored his second try in the 71st minute to give the Sea Eagles a 28-18 lead. Manaia Rudolph failed to convert the try from out wide.
The Sea Eagles secured victory when a grubber kick from Hodges saw Chee Kam dive on the ball to score next to the posts. Rudolph converted for a 34-18 lead after 77 minutes.
Best players for the Sea Eagles were Hodges and Chee Kam.
The Sea Eagles will play Wyong at Brookvale Oval next Saturday, June 20, at 3pm.
