Manly Warringah Sea Eagles recorded a convincing 38-0 victory over the North Sydney Bears at Lottoland today in the opening round of the Harold Matthews competition.
Under new coach Trevor Ott, the Sea Eagles dominated the Bears through their big pack led by props Tyreece Matangi, Valeli Tonga, and Siua Fotu.
The strong work by the forwards allowed exciting young halves in five-eighth Kaeo Weekes and half-back Teddy Wilson to create some magic in an impressive first up performance.
The Sea Eagles opened the scoring in the 19th minute when forward Siua Fotu (pictured) pushed off several defenders in a barnstorming run to score next to the posts. Half-back Teddy Wilson converted for a 6-0 lead.
A minute later, some desperate scrambling defence by the Sea Eagles prevented Norths from scoring.
Manly took advantage of the let off to score a few minutes later through winger Cameron Brown. Wilson converted the try from the sideline for a 12-0 lead.
Brown then got his second try to give the Sea Eagles a 16-0 lead at half-time.
Second Half
Manly prop Tyreece Matangi extended the lead to 20-0 with a try under the posts. Wilson converted for a 22-0 lead.
The Sea Eagles went further ahead when smart hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong broke the line to race away to score under the posts. Wilson converted for a 28-0 lead with 17 minutes remaining.
Manly full-back Logan Fox then showed his pace when he outsprinted the defence before being ankle tapped on the line to score. Wilson failed to convert the try for a 32-0 lead with 11 minutes remaining.
The Sea Eagles then went to a 36-0 lead when Darcy Hoy scored. Wilson converted the try for a 38-0 lead to give the Bears more heartache.
