Match Report: Jersey Flegg Cup Round 4 vs Eels

The match was a make-up for the round 4 clash earlier this season that was washed out.

Manly were in control for most of the match and were leading up until the 62nd minute, only to fall away in the final quarter for their seventh loss of the season.

After an error-riddled start to the match, the Sea Eagles broke through to score the opening try in the eighth minute through Benji Keene-O’Keefe.

A quick shift to the edge and good hold play by centre Antonio Taufa sent the winger over untouched for a 4-0 lead.

Errors from both sides continued to prove costly, with Parramatta throwing away several chances to level the scores in the next 15 minutes as Manly were forced to defend in their own territory.

The Eels were reduced to 12 players in the 27th minute for dangerous contact to the head in a tackle.

Manly capitalised with a second try in the 28th minute when Zachary Karam crossed over next to the posts.

A crafty inside ball next to the ruck freed up enough space for the full-back to push past the defence to score and extend his side’s lead to 10-0.

A smart cut-out pass sent Parramatta second-rower Domenico De Stradis over in the 33rd minute for a 10-6 scoreline at half-time

The Sea Eagles regained momentum with a try after four minutes in the second half. A phenomenal cut-out pass from half-back Callum Dowell past three defenders sent winger Brendan Couzens over in the corner to take their lead to 16-6.

The Eels hit back and took control of the match with tries in the 54th and 62nd minute for an 18-16 lead.

Manly threw all they had in the next 10 minutes to try and regain the lead, with a number of sets deep in the opposition’s territory.

A final try to Parramatta in the 76th minute put the nail in the coffin, confirming a 24-16 defeat for the Sea Eagles.

The two teams meet again next week in round 12 of the Jersey Flegg Cup at Kellyville Park on Saturday May 24, 1pm.