Match Report: Jersey Flegg Cup Round 20 vs Bulldogs

A 20-6 deficit at half-time was too much to come back from as the Sea Eagles slumped to their sixth straight game without a win.

The Manly side showed promising signs at stages in the match with dangerous attack on both sides of the field. Unfortunately, Canterbury were able to match with strong defence in their half to hold out the boys in maroon and white.

A quick shift to the left edge saw Bulldogs winger Jope Rauqe score in the corner in the 7th minute for an early 6-0 lead.

Manly were denied of a try in the 15th minute after a spectacular diving effort by Benjamin Taylor in the corner. An intercept won possession for the Sea Eagles and a good offload by Blake Metcalfe freed up space for Taylor, only for the winger to ground the ball over the sideline turning over possession once again.

Alekolasimi Jones doubled Canterbury’s lead with a try in the 18th minute for a 12-0 scoreline.

Manly put points on the board in the 26th minute off the back of a strong effort by Campbell Munn. An inside ball at the 20-metre line by Jaxen Yow found the prop in open space, beating the full-back to score under the posts and cut the deficit to 12-6.

Tries in the 31st and 37th minute to William Afualo and Sosaia Kaufusi saw the Bulldogs hold a 20-6 lead at half-time. 

The home side scored three tries in a 17-minute period to start the second half, extending the scoreline to 36-6 with 20 minutes remaining.

Manly capitalised on a Canterbury error to score their second try in the 68th minute. A quick shift to the edge found Oliver Lawry, who forced his way past four defenders to score and take the score to 36-10.

A professional foul call 15-metres out from their own line saw Canterbury’s Jones sin-binned in the 72nd minute.

The Sea Eagles took advantage of the situation to score one minute later through TJ Herring. The hooker snuck under the defence on the line on the last tackle to score next to the posts for a 36-16 scoreline.

Momentum switched late in the match as Manly were looking to soften the blow. They surged downfield off the back of penalties and set restarts in their favour but were unable to finish the play, succumbing to a 20-point defeat.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles host the Sydney Roosters in round 22 of the Jersey Flegg Cup, with all teams having a bye next week. The match kicks off at 3:30pm on Saturday August 2 at 4 Pines Park.