Manly Warringah Sea Eagles recorded a strong 32-12 victory over the Wests Tigers at Lottoland tonight in round 22 of the Telstra Premiership.
In front of a crowd of 8,512 in Women in League round, the Sea Eagles secured their place in the finals with a fine performance at home after last week's away loss to the Warriors.
The win saw the Sea Eagles move from fifth to fourth position on 28 points with three games remaining subject to weekend results.
The Tigers lost hooker Jacob Liddle to a serious knee injury in the fifth minute before half-back Luke Brooks was placed on report for dropping the knees into the face of a Manly player two minutes later.
The Sea Eagles had a try to second-rower Jack Gosiewski disallowed on a forward pass call in the 12th minute after a great break downfield the previous play by centre Brendan Elliot.
Full-back Tom Trbojevic was held up over the line under the posts in the 21st minute but Gosiewski was finally rewarded in the 18th minute when he dived on a grubber kick from half-back and captain Daly Cherry-Evans. Garrick converted the try for a 6-0 lead to the Sea Eagles after 20 minutes.
Wests Tigers drew level at 6-all five minutes later when Paul Momirovski converted a try to winger David Nofoaluma after he ran off a short ball from five-eighth Benji Marshall.
The Sea Eagles went to a 10-6 lead in the 36th minute when Gosiewski scored his second try off a short pass again from Cherry-Evans. Garrick converted the try for a 12-6 lead.
A minute later, five-eighth Dylan Walker finished off a break by Tom Trbojevic to score next to the posts. Garrick converted for an 18-6 lead at half-time.
Manly went to a 22-6 lead when winger Jorge Taufua charged his way over from dummy half in the 65th minute. Garrick failed to convert the try.
Two minutes later, centre Moses Suli finished off a nice backline play to score in the corner for a 26-6 lead. Garrick failed to convert the try from the sideline.
The Tigers hit back with a try out wide to Brooks in the 72nd minute. Momirovski converted the try for a 26-12 scoreline.
Manly prop Addin Fonua-Blake then got his name on the board when he crashed over to score in the 77th minute. Garrick converted for the 32-12 lead.
The Sea Eagles now play Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Sunday, August 25. Kick-off 4.05pm.
