Match Report: NSW Cup Round 5 vs Bears

In a Sea Eagles home game played at Lionel Watts Park, Belrose, Manly trailed 8-4 at half-time and then drew level before the Bears secured victory on full-time.

Sea Eagles half-back Joey Walsh continued his good form from last week when he put through a short grubber kick to regather to score out wide for a 4-0 lead after 10 minutes.

The Bears drew level 10 minutes later when they caught the Sea Eagles short on their right for half-back Thomas Streadman to cross for a 4-all scoreline.

Manly’s left edge was again exposed for Bears winger Abiarthur Toi Tuilaepa to cross for an 8-4 lead 10 minutes before half-time.

The Sea Eagles went to the break down by four with turnovers and penalties a problem for the home side who had to defend heavily on their line.

Manly started the second half well when they found some space on their right for centre Hugo Hart to brush off a defender to score out wide for an 8-all scoreline.

North Sydney stretched their lead to 12-8 through centre Ammaron Gudgeon after some quick hands caught the Sea Eagles short on their left.

The visitors went to an 18-8 lead after Norths lock and captain Coby Thomas managed to offload on the line for Josh Cook to dive over in the 57th minute.

A great break from Manly hooker Zaidas Muagututia saw him find open space to send second-rower Jackson Shereb over to leave Manly trailing 18-12 after 64 minutes.

The Sea Eagles went back-to-back when winger Navren Willett took a cross-field kick from captain Zach Dockar-Clay to tie the game up at 18-all after 70 minutes.

A long-range penalty goal to Kieran Hayman saw the Bears take a 20-18 lead before Bayden Moran crashed over on full-time for the 26-18 win.

Manly now play St George Illawarra Dragons at Collegians Sporting Complex, Wollongong, next Saturday at 1pm in round six.