Match Report: Jersey Flegg Cup Round 7 vs Warriors

In a match played in cool conditions at Dilworth School Senior Campus, Auckland, the Sea Eagles were right in the game until the final 10 minutes when the Warriors capitalised on errors and tired defence.

The Sea Eagles turned in another gutsy performance for a side chasing that elusive first win. Unfortunately, the issue of playing for the full 80 minutes again raised its ugly head late in the game.

Manly had to soak up plenty of pressure on their line for a sustained period in the opening 15 minutes. The commitment was there to see when Manly centre Benjamin Keene-O’Keefe produced a great try saving tackle to stop second-rower Connor Bowden.

The Sea Eagles had a try disallowed in the 19th minute for an obstruction before Keene-O’Keefe broke the line only for his pass to Thomas Klem go to ground a minute later.

The Warriors capitalised quickly when Bowden beat four defenders on Manly’s line to score next to the posts for a 4-0 lead after 23 minutes.

Manly then camped themselves inside the Warriors’ quarter for three consecutive sets but couldn’t manage to cross the line.

The Warriors then went downfield and a few sets later, winger Harry Tauafiafi-Iutoi crossed in the corner for a 10-0 lead after 31 minutes.

Four minutes after half-time, Warriors captain Tyson Hansen brushed through four defenders in a 30 metre run only to drop the ball in trying to score.

Manly made the most of the opportunity when captain Charlie Boyle turned the ball back inside from dummy half for prop Lewis Saad to power his way over the line for a 10-6 scoreline after 52 minutes.

The Warriors extended their lead seven minutes later after centre Motu Pasikala stepped his way past three defenders to score near the posts for a 14-6 lead.

The Sea Eagles had some chances in attack but a lack of patience with the ball and some frustrating errors again crept into their game.

After half-back Tyler Melrose pulled off a try saving tackle, the Sea Eagles were rewarded a penalty in the next set but failed to find touch.

The Warriors capitalised in the next set with a try next to the posts to Amasio Tiatia for a 20-6 lead after 72 minutes.

Three minutes later, Warriors full-back Joseph Ratcliffe ran onto a short pass from half-back Jack Thompson to make it 26-6.

Pasikala then crossed in the corner for his second try on full-time for the 30-6 victory.

In a beaten side, Benjamin Keene-O’Keefe and Charlie Boyle stood out while Manly full-back and prolific try scorer William Herbert made a solid return from injury.

A Manly junior, O’Keefe is a player of real talent and one to keep an eye on. A great defender who can hit hard, O’Keefe is a fine attacking left centre who just needs more quality ball to create chances.

Sea Eagles captain Boyle has been consistent all season and adds plenty in attack. A tireless worker, he showed his utility value by shifting from five-eighth to lock in another fine display.

The Sea Eagles now play the Parramatta Eels at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, Narrabeen, at 12pm on Sunday, April 26.