Manly Warringah Sea Eagles suffered a 28-0 loss in humid conditions at Mascot Oval today in round three of the Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup.
Manly were attempting to carry momentum into the U17s women's match following their dominant 46-4 victory over the Dragons last round. Unfortuantely, they couldn’t find a way into the game as the Rabbitohs took the lead early on, going on to run in six tries to nil in a one-sided encounter.
South Sydney opened the scoring in the fifth minute after winger Tahlya Dower dived over untouched in the right corner for a 4-0 scoreline.
Manly lock Siulolo Richter stormed down the field in the 16th minute with a strong run to propel her side into South Sydney’s territory. Unfortunately, the side couldn’t maintain possession of the ball as they dropped it a tackle later to turn it over.
With just over ten minutes to play in the first half, fatigue kicked in and the Rabbitohs capitalised with another try through Sienna Israel. The centre used her speed to get around Manly’s right edge before pushing past another defender to score for an 8-0 lead.
South Sydney had their third try in the 25th minute after a well-placed crossfield kick ended in the hands of Kirrawahn Duckett. The centre pivoted on the spot and pushed past a defender to dive over and score. Halfback Kiara McGregor converted for a 14-0 lead.
Three penalties in a row took the Sea Eagles deep into the Rabbitohs territory as they pushed for points before halftime but couldn't cross.
Manly had the chance to start the second half on the front foot with several sets in front of the Rabbitohs’ tryline. Despite the opportunities, they were unable to get past the home side’s tight defence.
South Sydney then scored their fourth try after Dower dived over in the corner for her second for an 18-0 lead after 39 minutes.
Rabbitohs winger Lani Anderson took advantage of another error from the Sea Eagles to score 10 minutes later for a 22-0 lead after Manly winger Alannah Sliman was unable to take in a kick near her line.
Duckett scored her second with just over three minutes left a quick break from the scrum allowed for an overlap down the right edge. McGregor converted from the sideline to make it 28-0.
The Sea Eagles will now host the Cronulla Sharks in round four on Sunday February 25, at 11am at 4 Pines Park.
Rabbitohs 28 (tries: Dower 5’, Israel 10’, Duckett 14’, Dower 39’, Anderson 49’, Duckett 56’. McGregor 2/6 goals) def. Sea Eagles 0
