On the run...Winger Luke Polselli puts the kick through to set up the try for Cade Cust. NRL Photos
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles recorded a convincing 52-12 win over the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium today in round 25 of the Holden Cup competition.
The Sea Eagles went into the match in ninth spot following results of other matches but moved back into sixth place with a dominant performance. Manly now sit on 30 points ahead of next week’s clash against the second-placed Penrith at Lottoland.
The Sea Eagles started the game strongly and opened the scoring in the 6th minute after winger Luke Polselli finished off a nice backline play to the left to score. Centre Tevita Funa failed to convert from the sideline.
Hooker Manase Fainu then caught the Warriors defence napping to score from dummy half. Funa converted from in front of the posts for a 10-0 lead after 12 minutes.
Manly winger Alfred Smalley then sent his support group of family and friends into a frenzy when he scored in the right corner. Funa failed to convert for a 14-0 lead.
Polselli then showed his pace and skills to put a kick through for half-back Cade Cust to score. Funa converted for a 20-0 lead after 22 minutes.
Four minutes later, the Warriors opened their account through a try to full-back Lee Turner. Centre Kane Telea converted for a 20-6 scoreline.
Manly went to a 24-6 lead when forward Joseph Mau crashed over under the posts. Funa converted for a 26-6 lead after 37 minutes.
Second Half
A nice offload in traffic by Fainu saw full-back Jade Anderson find open space to score. Funa converted for a 32-6 lead after 48 minutes.
Two minutes later, Smalley dived over for his second try to the cheers of his little fan club at the ground. Funa failed to convert the try.
The Alfred Smalley ‘Fan Club’ found their voices again when the winger dived over from a grubber kick from Cade Cust for his third try for a 40-6 lead.
Some smart work again from dummy half Fainu saw second-rower Blake Andrews cross for a try. Funa converted for a 46-6 lead.
Manly forward Haumole Olakau’atu then used his strength to cross over under the posts. Funa converted for a 52-6 lead before Warriors prop Kenese Kenese scored. The try was converted for the 52-12 scoreline.
Sea Eagles Holden Cup team
1 Jade Anderson, 2 Alfred Smalley, 3 Tevita Funa, 4 Semisi Kioa, 20 Luke Polselli, 6 Tom Wright, 7 Cade Cust, 8 Elia Faatui, 9 Manase Fainu, 10 Taniela Paseka, 11 Blake Andrews, 12 Josh Martin, 13 Jesse Martin (C); Interchange: 14 Haumole Olakauátu, 17 Mark Tepu-Smith; 21 Joseph Maú, 23 Michael Fenn.
