Sea Eagles overcome resurgent Roosters

The Sea Eagles have extended the Roosters' losing streak to four, triumphing 38-18 at Brookvale Oval this evening.

The Roosters improved on their recent run of poor form, scoring their first points at Brookvale since 2006. After 70 minutes they were still within reach at 26-18, but a Steve Matai try sealed the win for the Sea Eagles shortly after.

Glenn Stewart opened the scoring after ten minutes, capitalising on repeat sets gifted by a dropped ball from late-inclusion Sonny Tuigamala. Chris Bailey gave an inside ball to Stewart who busted through at speed from 15 metres out.

Eight minutes later the Roosters crossed twice in three minutes to take the lead. First up Perrett took a midfield bomb uncontested and spread the ball to Kenny-Dowall who crossed in the corner. Then Setaimata Sa was on the end of a nice offload from Tuigamala, after a Craig Fitzgibbon break, scoring a dazzling team try to make it 8-6.

The Sea Eagles hit back with some spectacular play of their own before halftime. Michael Robertson received a visionary one-handed pass from Bailey and sped over the try-line. The kickers were the difference at halftime with the Sea Eagles up 12-8.

The floodgates opened in the second half, with seven tries scored in total. Steve Matai confirmed the victory for his side in the 76th minute when he managed to wrestle a try after scooping up the loose ball from an Orford bomb.

Anthony Watmough was outstanding for the Sea Eagles, topping the stats in runs made and metres gained, topped off with a try in the 67th minute. Orford led his team ably, laying on three try assists through precision kicking and passing. Jamie Lyon was forced from the field after 15 minutes, succumbing to an ankle injury.

The Roosters will no doubt find a number of positive aspects in tonight's performance, as it was clearly a marked improvement on recent weeks. Kenny-Dowall was very impressive on the wing, while Anasta appeared to be back home at five-eighth.

Next week the Roosters host the Titans while the Sea Eagles go to CUA Stadium to take on the Panthers.

Match Details Manly Sea Eagles 38 def Sydney Roosters 18 Round 13 - Saturday :: June 6th, 2009 5:30pm Venue: Brookvale Oval Referee: Steve Lyons & Ashley Klein Sideline Officials: David Abood & Peter Kirby Video Referee: Steve Clark Crowd: 10,549 Half time: Sea Eagles 12-8

Manly Sea Eagles 38 Tries: Glenn Stewart, Michael Robertson (2), Tony Williams, David Williams, Anthony Watmough, Steve Matai Goals: Matt Orford (5/7) Sydney Roosters 18 Tries: Shaun Kenny-Dowall (2), Setaimata Sa, Ben Jones Goals: Craig Fitzgibbon (1/4)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Anthony Watmough (Sea Eagles) 2 Points: Matt Orford (Sea Eagles) 1 Point: Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Roosters)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary Talk about the game as it happens - Sea Eagles v Roosters forum discussion - click here!

SEA EAGLES: 1. Michael Robertson 21. Tony Williams 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. David Williams 6. Chris Bailey 7. Matt Orford (c) 15. Jason King 9. Matt Ballin 10. Josh Perry 11. Anthony Watmough 17. Shane Rodney 13. Glenn Stewart Interchange: 8. Brent Kite 12. Glenn Hall 14. Heath L