Three tries to ‘The Steamroller’, Addison Demetriou, has led Manly Warringah to a crushing 46-18 victory over Canberra Raiders in the Holden Cup today.
Demetriou, the former prop turned centre, tormented the Raiders with his powerful running to continue his superb form since switching positions.
Outstanding full-back Tom Trbojevic was all class again with the forwards laying another strong platform for the exciting Sea Eagles backline.
The win saw the Sea Eagles jump from seventh place to fifth position on 27 points, one point ahead of the Raiders.
The Sea Eagles opened the scoring in the second minute through Trbojevic. The try was converted by Hugh Pratt for a 6-0 lead.
Manly Warringah then successfully appealed a Captain’s Challenge call which saw a try to Canberra winger Cameron Booth overturned in the 15th minute.
The visitors took advantage when Darcy Cox dived over next to the posts. Pratt converted for a 12-0 lead.
The Sea Eagles stretched their lead to 16-0 when the ball was spread right through the backline for centre Jesse Ramien to score in the corner. Pratt converted from the sideline for an 18-0 lead after 25 minutes.
The home side’s poor handling ruined any chance of them scoring in the first half with the Sea Eagles punishing them in attack.
It became 22-0 when a crossfield kick was taken by Trbojevic who sent Demetriou over. Pratt failed to convert the try.
The Sea Eagles then produced a superb try when they made a break down the right wing before Trbojevic offloaded to send Dallas Koen under the posts for a 26-0 lead. Pratt converted after the half-time siren to give the visitors a commanding 28-0 lead at the break.
2nd Half
Manly Warringah put the game well beyond doubt early in the second half when Demetriou brushed off three defenders to score a 70 metre try. Pratt converted for a 34-0 lead.
A break down the left flank by Trbojevic resulted in Demetriou grabbing his third try. Pratt converted from the sideline for a 40-0 lead.
Canberra got on the board in the 62nd minute with a try to second-rower Kalani Going. Half-back Tre Williams converted to leave the home side trailing 40-6.
The Raiders scored their second try three minutes later to prop Morgan Boyle. Williams converted for a 40-12 scoreline.
The home side scored their third try when Brett Solomon scored under the posts. Williams converted for the 40-18 scoreline.
Manly Warringah five-eighth and captain Will Pearsall completed the tryscoring when he dived over in the 79th minute. Nicho Hynes converted for the 46-18 scoreline.
