Heavy injury toll sees Sea Eagles fall in Tarsha Gale

A heavy injury toll proved to be the downfall of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in losing 16-8 to the Parramatta Eels today in round two of the Tarsha Gale Cup.

The U19s women’s game was played in very hot conditions at Kellyville, with many supporters using umbrellas on the sideline to stay out of the heat.

With their confidence up from their historic win last Saturday in the first ever women’s match for Manly, the Sea Eagles opened the scoring in the 16th minute when big prop Tafao Asaua brushed off two defenders in a strong run to score near the posts for a 4-0 lead.

Manly then had to withstand some long, added pressure on their line from the Eels but their defence held firm.

The Sea Eagles were rewarded for their efforts when Shahana Lasini-Rite ducked over from dummy half for an 8-0 lead after 25 minutes on the back of a strong run by second-rower Tahlee Maroney.

Trailing 8-0 at half-time, Parramatta hit back in the opening minute of the second half off a slicing run from centre Caitlin Peadon. The try was converted from out wide for an 8-6 scoreline.

With the injuries mounting and the temperature soaring, the Sea Eagles tried to hold off the Eels, but the home side scored two tries in seven minutes through Alysha Bell and Ashlee Pottinger to claim victory.

Despite the injuries, the Sea Eagles again played with tremendous spirit and a never say die attitude for a young, promising and exciting team.

The Sea Eagles girls will become the first women’s team to play for Manly at Brookvale Oval when they run out against Canberra in their next match on Saturday, February 18, at 11am.