Match Report: Jersey Flegg Cup Round 19 vs Silktails

The match, played in stifling conditions at Churchill Park, Lautoka, saw the Sea Eagles establish a 24-6 lead at half time with both teams adding just the one try after the break.

Manly recovered from an error off the kickoff to score the first points minutes later when winger Tenzin Contor crossed in the corner in the 3rd minute.  Halfback Lachlan Metcalf was successful with the sideline conversion to make it 6-0

Off the back of a Manly penalty for a hip drop tackle, the Silktails completed well and were rewarded with a try in the 9th minute to Hooker Savenaca Turaga, who scooted over from dummy half. A successful conversion from in front levelled the score at 6-6

After defending well on their own line Manly crossed for their second try in the 14th minute. Centre Benjamin Keene-O’Keefe made a break down the left edge before linking up with Metcalf.

Metcalf injured his quad in the process of scoring the try and was forced from the field, replaced by Tamako Berryman-Duff. Contor added his second conversion to put Manly ahead 12-6.

The Silktails applied good pressure for the next five minutes but were unable to come up with points.

Manly went close to scoring their third try when fullback Nathaniel Robinson made a break down the middle of the field but was unable to find support.

Manly sent a goal line dropout out on the full to give the Silktails another good opportunity to score, but again the visitors were able to defend their line.

Manly centre Max Davies played a key role in his team’s third try using quick feet to beat the defender, before providing backrower Beau Mckee with a neat short ball. Tenzin added the extras to put Manly ahead 18-6.

Keene-O’Keefe then made a 60-metre break off the restart, bumping off fullback Seremaia Ramasima on his way to the line. The conversion from in front was successful which put Manly ahead 24-6 at the break.

Manly extended their lead 10 minutes into the second half when five-eighth Charlie Boyle provided a beautiful ball to Davies who scored in the corner. Another successful conversion from Contor put the Sea Eagles ahead 30-6.

The Silktails first opportunity of the second half came after a great 40/20 kick from reserve hooker Bale Vetaukula. It led to a try to backrower Inoke Bolakoro who stepped inside a Manly defender to score. 

The conversion was unsuccessful with Manly ahead 30-10 with 14 minutes to play.

The Sea Eagles had two players leave the field due to injury in the closing stages of the match as both teams battled the heat.

Manly prop Sebastian Piukala was forced from the field with a head injury with about 10 minutes remaining, and so too was O’Keefe with just a minute or two to play.

A classy performance in difficult conditions resulted in a 30-10 victory for Manly.

The Sea Eagles play the Penrith Panthers next Saturday July 18 at 4 Pines Park as they look to go back-to-back for the second time this season.