Chloe Schibeci reviews the Saturday evening clash between Manly Warringah and Newcastle …
MATCHDAY RESULTS
SCOREBOARD
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 42
Tries: Tolutau Koula (11), Jacob Saab (34, 49), Haumole Olakau’atu (58), Andrew Davey (64), Christian Tuipulotu (68), Lachlan Croker (78)
Goals: Daly Cherry-Evans (13, 35, 40, 51, 66, 69), Reuben Garrick (78)
Newcastle Knights 12
Tries: Adam Clune (16), Kalyn Ponga (45)
Goals: Kalyn Ponga (17, 46)
MATCH REPORT
The Saturday afternoon match between Manly and Newcastle looked like a promising match, and the first half did not disappoint.
The first points of the afternoon came from the Sea Eagles, Tolutau Koula crossing after eleven minutes of play. Adam Clune scored the first points for the Newcastle Knights just a few minutes later.
The first half was a pretty even contest with the scores level at 6-all for 20 minutes, but the Sea Eagles looked to be slightly dominant towards the end of the opening half. Jacob Saab scored a try for Manly with six minutes remaining.
In the final minute, the Knights had Anthony Milford sent to the sin bin, and Manly were awarded the penalty where they opted to kick for an extra two points, giving them the edge going into the break.
The second half was a different story. The first points came from the Newcastle Knights, just five minutes after the second half started. It was important for the Knights to score first coming off the break.
It didn’t take long for the Sea Eagles to hit back, after a brilliant pass from Cherry-Evans allowed Jacob Saab to score Manly’s third try of the night, extending their lead to eight points.
Once the Sea Eagles scored their first try in the second half, the there was no stopping the momentum they built. They went on to score an additional four tries to finish the game, leaving the Knights with little opportunities to attempt a comeback.
It was a classy act from the Sea Eagles, who ended up winning by 30 points. It was a disappointing end for the Knights, who had shown that they were certainly in the game, ready for a contest throughout the first half. Meanwhile, Manly just continued to confidently maintain control of the game.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS
3 pts – Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly Sea Eagles), 2 pts – Lachlan Croker (Manly Sea Eagles), 1 pt – Jacob Saab (Manly Sea Eagles)
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