Sea Eagles record tough away win over Raiders

Some astute goal-kicking from full-back Blake Metcalf saw the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles record a tough 24-16 away victory over the Canberra Raiders in the Jersey Flegg Cup on Saturday.

Both sides scored three tries each at Seiffert Oval with Metcalf landing six goals from six attempts to give the Sea Eagles their second win after seven rounds to leave the Raiders on the bottom of the ladder.

A strong first half saw the Sea Eagles take a 14-0 lead into half-time through converted tries to lock Zane Dunford and second-rower Kylan Mafoa.

A smart grubber kick from hooker Daniel O’Donnell from dummy half saw Dunford pounce on the ball to score. Full-back Blake Metcalf converted from next to the posts for a 6-0 lead after 16 minutes.

Six minutes later, a short grubber kick from half-back Harradyn Wilson saw the ball sit up perfectly for Mafoa to score. Metcalf converted for a 12-0 lead. Metcalfe then added a penalty goal seven minutes later for the 14 point lead at half-time.

The Raiders hit back early in the second half through a try to five-eighth Ethan Strange to trail by 10 before Fainu backed up a fine break down the left side by centre Charlie Thompson to score. Metcalf converted from close range for a 20-4 lead after 48 minutes.

A try to Ryan Carr saw the Raiders reduce the lead to 20-10 before two further penalty goals to Metcalf saw Manly stretch their lead to 24-10 after 62 minutes.

The Raiders then scored a try through Shaun Packer to make it 24-16 with the Sea Eagles holding on in the final minutes for a well deserved win.

The Sea Eagles now take on the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Sunday, April 23, at 11.50am.