Manly make it two in a row against Bunnies

The Manly Sea Eagles have defeated the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Brookvale Oval this afternoon in front of a crowd of 14,426.

In a match that never really reached any great heights, Manly were always in control and never looked like losing.

Souths loked devoid of ideas with the ball in hand even though their completion rate was high. Souths looked to have returned to their pre-2007 days and are a long way off the pace at the moment. True, it is only early in the season but to be anchored to the bottom of the table without a win after four round is a worry sign for coach Jason Taylor.

Injuries have also played their part with the Bunnies losing Michael Greenfield to injury today and with players like Craig Wing already sidelined for a prolonged period, Souths need some luck and direction and fast.

The loss now leaves Souths as the only winless team in the NRL while Manly jump straight into the top eight after posting their second consecutive victory for 2008.

Manly Sea Eagles (20) Tries: Jamie Lyon, Adam Cuthbertson, Brett Stewart Goals: Matt Orford (4/4) South Sydney Rabbitohs (2) Goals: Nathan Merritt (1/1)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Brett Stewart 2 Points: Matt Orford 1 Point: Jamie Lyon

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary 1 min: We are underway at Brookvale between the Sea Eagles and the Bunnies.

5 min: Five minutes in and both sides are still sorting each other out.

9 min: Still no score in the match and Souths are doing the bulk of defending at the moment, making a lot more tackles than Manly.

11 min: PENALTY GOAL South Sydney Rabbitohs The Bunnies have opened the scoring with a penalty goal to Nathan Merritt. South Sydney Rabbitohs 2-0

14 min: TRY Manly Sea Eagles Jamie Lyon has opened the scoring for Manly with Souths starting to look a little tired after doing a lot more defending. Conversion attempt by Matt Orford successful. Manly Sea Eagles 6-2

24 min: Just over half way through the first half and Manly still hold a four point lead over Souths.

31 min: TRY Manly Sea Eagles Manly extend their lead over Souths with a try to Adam Cuthbertson and with the half time break looming, Souths will do well not to let any more points in before the break. Conversion attempt by Matt Orford successful. Manly Sea Eagles 12-2

41 min: We are underway in the second half...

45 min: PENALTY GOAL Manly Sea Eagles Matt Orford edges the Sea further in front with a penalty goal. The lead is now two converted tries to Manly. Manly Sea Eagles 14-2

56 min: Manly still out in front by two converted tries and Souths will need a miracle to get back into the game from here.

60 min: Souths have a superior completion rate to that o Manly but still can't convert their possession into points and as we enter the final 20 minutes of the match, Souths will have to start chancing their arm just to get back into the match.

65 min: TRY Manly Sea Eagles Manly have sealed their second victory for 2008 with Brett Stewart crossing for Manly's thrid try which will put the result beyond doubt. Conversion attempt by Matt Orford successful. Manly Sea Eagles 20-2

70 min: Crowd for todays game is 14,426.

76 min: Just under five minutes remaining and the Sea Eagles are crusing to a comfortable victory over the Bunnies.