A strong first half defensive display laid the platform for a hard fought 20-16 win for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in Auckland today in round six of the Jersey Flegg Cup.
In a match played in light rain and then sun at times, the Sea Eagles were always in control against the winless Warriors to record their third victory in five games after having their match postponed last week.
Manly opened the scoring in the eighth minute when hooker and captain Nicholas Lenaz turned a short pass inside for second rower Broden Konz to score a converted try for a 6-0 lead.
The Sea Eagles muscled up in defence to stop the Warriors from scoring twice inside the opening 20 minutes before full-back Blake Metcalfe scooped up a grubber to stop a third attempt.
Manly’s defence then stood firm once again after the Warriors camped inside their quarter through four sets of six for some time.
The Warriors had to resort to a crossfield kick on the last tackle to score their first try through Jeriko Filipi-Talisau for a 6-all scoreline with two minutes remaining before half-time.
Manly started the second half perfectly with a converted try in the corner to winger Una Uasi two minutes after the break for a 12-6 lead.
Another short pass from dummy half, this time from fellow hooker Daniel O’Donnell, saw replacement forward Jesse Jackson barge over next to posts for an 18-6 lead after 48 minutes.
The Warriors hit back quickly when centre Nganaiaiafu Vake dragged two defenders over to score out wide for an 18-10 scoreline.
A converted try next to the posts from Warriors hooker Makaia Tafua saw the Warriors trail 18-16 with five minutes to go.
Metcalfe secured victory with a penalty goal on full-time to cap off a fine game for the small and dynamic number one who saved two tries from some fine defensive reads. He also kicked four goals, including a beautiful sideline conversion in windy conditions.
Sea Eagles 20 (Broden Konz 8', Una Uasi 37', Jesse Jackson 47' tries; Blake Metcalfe 4 goals) d Warriors 16 (Sio Kali 30', Nganaiaiafu Vake 53', Makaia Tafua 63'; Etuate Fukofuka 2 goals).
