Manly Warringah Sea Eagles recorded their third win of the season with a 34-18 victory over the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium tonight.
The Sea Eagles led from the front and were never headed to record a strong victory and to continue their total domination over the Warriors. Manly have won 10 of 13 matches played at Mt Smart Stadium. The two teams will meet again at NIB Stadium in Perth on Saturday, July 16, in a home match for the Sea Eagles.
The Sea Eagles opened the scoring in the seventh minute when a grubber kick from half-back Apisai Koroisau saw Warriors winger Tuimoala Lolohea fumble the ball into the arms of second-rower Martin Taupau to fall over the line. Centre and captain Jamie Lyon converted for a 6-0 lead.
A nice turn and spin by prop Josh Starling saw him beat the tackle of Charlie Gubb to score next to the posts. Lyon converted for a 12-0 lead after 25 minutes.
The Warriors opened their account when they caught the Sea Eagles napping on the short side for centre Blake Ayshford to score. Shaun Johnson converted to leave the Warriors trailing 12-6 at half-time.
Second Half
The Sea Eagles started the second half off on the right note when centre Steve Matai pounced on a grubber kick to score after full-back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck tried to kick the ball dead with his foot and missed. Lyon converted the try for an 18-6 lead after 46 minutes.
A 35 metre penalty conversion by Lyon saw the Sea Eagles extend their lead to 20-6 after 55 minutes before the Warriors got back to 20-12 through a converted try to hooker Isaac Luke from dummy half.
Lyon gave the Sea Eagles some breathing space when he converted a 30 metre penalty goal in the 69th minute for a 22-12 lead.
The Sea Eagles all but secured victory when Matai powered through two defenders from an inside pass by Koroisau to score next to the posts. Lyon converted for a 28-12 lead after 73 minutes.
The Warriors reduced the margin to 28-18 through a converted try to centre Solomone Kata before a converted try to winger Tom Trbojevic in the 78th minute saw the Sea Eagles claim the two competition points.
