Manly Warringah Sea Eagles suffered a 36-30 loss to Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval today in round 23 of the Holden Cup competition.
In a repeat of last week’s loss to the Sydney Roosters, the Sea Eagles got off to a poor start again to trail 24-6 at half-time before powering home in the second half to almost take the vital two competition points.
The loss leaves the Sea Eagles in seventh place on 26 points.
The Tigers opened the scoring when full-back Gus Garzaniti weaved past three defenders to score. Winger James Tautaiolefua converted for a 6-0 lead after 13 minutes.
A few minutes later, a drop ball in front of the posts by Manly saw Wests Tigers lock Rhys Sciglitano dive over. The try was converted for a 12-0 lead.
Wests Tigers grabbed their third try when centre Peter Pakoti scored out wide. The try was converted for an 18-0 lead after 24 minutes.
The home side went to a 24-0 lead after 33 minutes when prop Jakob Giles crashed over next to the posts for a converted try.
Manly got on the board when centre Blake Andrews scored next to the posts. Winger Jade Anderson converted for a 24-6 scoreline after 36 minutes.
Second Half
Wests Tigers went to a 28-6 lead when Sciglitano pounced on a grubber kick to score his second try. Tautaiolefua converted his fifth goal for a 30-6 lead after 50 minutes.
Sciglitano scored his third try when he crashed over under the posts three minutes later. Tautaiolefua converted for a 36-6 lead.
The Sea Eagles then began their comeback to trail 36-26 with 10 minutes remaining.
Anderson converted the try next to the posts of Manase Fainu after the hooker regathered the ball from his own grubber to score for a 36-12 scoreline after 60 minutes.
A nice run and offload by prop Taniela Paseka saw captain and lock Jesse Martin score. Anderson converted for a 36-18 scoreline.
The Sea Eagles then put on two tries in three minutes to centre Tevita Funa and Haumole Olakauatu to trail 36-30 with 11 minutes remaining.
Manly reduced the margin to 36-30 when Semisi Kioa scored out wide with four minutes remaining but it wasn't to be in the end.
