A dominant second half performance saw Manly Warringah Sea Eagles record a 34-26 victory over the Melbourne Thunderbolts in the Holden Cup competition yesterday.
The Sea Eagles went into the game at Sunshine Coast Stadium in sixth place on the ladder against the 12th placed Melbourne, but it was the home side who led 20-6 at half-time.
Manly opened the scoring for a 6-0 lead before the home side scored three tries for the 14 point margin at half-time.
The Sea Eagles scored three tries in the opening 15 minutes of the second half to lead 24-20 before Melbourne struck back to lead 26-20 after 65 minutes.
However, the Sea Eagles lifted to score two tries in the final five minutes to record their 11th win of the season. Exciting young full-back Luke Polselli scored twice for the Sea Eagles.
Manly remain in sixth position on 26 points ahead of next week’s clash against the 13th placed Sydney Roosters at Lottoland. Kick-off is 9.45am.
Manly 34 (Luke Polselli 2, Alfred Smalley, Jade Anderson, Manase Fainu, Josh Martin tries; Jade Anderson 5 goal) d Melbourne 26 (Braydon Trindall, Beau Fermor, Augustus Rangihuna, Jacob Tonge tries; Jesse Arthars 5 goals).
