Match Report: NSW Cup Round 23 vs Storm

The Sea Eagles held a narrow lead with just over 10 minutes remaining before Melbourne scored two late tries to snatch the win.

The Storm crossed for the opening try in the 11th minute when centre Marion Seve beat the defence to score on the left edge. An unsuccessful conversion gave Melbourne an early 4-0 lead.

In their first set after points, Seve was again involved in their second try, breaking the defence and finding five-eighth Eli Morris back on the inside. The conversion was successful from Morris taking the lead to 10-0.

Manly hit back to score their first try in the 17th minute when left centre Beau Newlands provided an offload which allowed winger Navren Willett to race down the touchline and score in the corner. An unsuccessful conversion attempt from wide out left Manly trailing 10-4.

Manly suffered a setback midway through the first half when second rower Joshua Alhazim was forced from the field with a suspected shoulder injury.

The Sea Eagles went back-to-back to level the score at 10-all heading into half time. The try came from a Tex Hoy kick to the corner which was tapped back by Willett into the hands of fullback William Herbert who slid over in the corner.

Melbourne were first to score in the second half off a grubber from fullback Amaziah Murgha which landed in the hands of winger Alize Clarke. A successful conversion gave the home side a six-point lead in the 45th minute.

Manly were next to score as the game approached the hour mark when Willett went in for his double. A 20-metre cut out pass from Hoy landed on the chest of Willett who did the rest. An unsuccessful conversion had Manly trailing 16-14

Manly had the chance to level the score with a penalty goal with 14 minutes remaining but opted against it. Instead, they took the tap resulting in a Newlands’ try. Unable to add the extras, Manly were in front 18-16.

The Storm then scored two tries in the final 10 minutes.

A break from halfback Keagan Russell-Smith led to Murgha’s try in the 70th with Morris adding the extras to put Melbourne ahead 22-18.

Manly are back at home for their next match on Saturday 15th August against the Warriors.