Sea Eagles turn it up in Brisbane

Match Summary With the Brisbane Broncos missing key players, the Sea Eagles easily defeated the home side by 30-12 in front of a smaller crowd than usual at Suncorp Stadium this afternoon in Brisbane.

The Broncos started off the game extremely well with two quick tries to Kemp and Ennis and looked to be a very competitive young side.

However, the patience shown by the Sea Eagles soon came to the fore as they settled into their game in a clinical fashion. Although the Broncos were up 12-6 at the break, the momentum had certainly swung towards the visitors' favour.

24 unanswered point to the Sea Eagles, including a try to the veteran Steve Menzies (his first for 2008), in the 2nd half showed just what a complete outfit the Manly side are. Their defence was outstanding as was their attack with Orford and Lyon continually set up play after play trying to breech the gallant but tiring Broncos defence.

Karmichael Hunt was outstanding at the back for the Broncos. If not for his safe hands as his side was hounded continuously, the scoreline would certainly be greater.

The Broncos now have to travel to Sydney to take on the Sharks in Round 10, while the Sea Eagles will host the Cowboys at Bluetongue Stadium.

Match Details Manly Sea Eagles 30 def Brisbane Broncos 12 Round 9 - May 11th, 2008 2:00pm Venue: Suncorp Stadium Referee: Shayne Hayne half time: Broncos 12-6

Brisbane Broncos 12 Tries: Denan Kemp, Michael Ennis Goals: Michael Ennis (2/3) Manly Sea Eagles 30 Tries: Michael Robertson, Steven Bell, Steve Menzies, Brent Kite, Brett Stewart Goals: Matt Orford (5/6)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Jamie Lyon (Sea Eagles) 2 Points: Brent Kite (Sea Eagles) 1 Point: Karmichael Hunt (Broncos)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary

Beautiful conditions in Brisbane for this Round 9 match. Hodges and Carroll are out for the Broncos, with Moon and Eastwood into the starting lineup. Lockyer had surgery this morning. The Sea Eagles start as per programme but with a reshuffle amongst the forwards .

1 min: Ennis kicks off for the Broncos to start the match.

2 min: Menzies hurts his shoulder as he tries to put in a heavy hit on Hunt.

4 min: Ballin close to scoring for the Sea Eagles after a break from the Broncos line by Jamie Lyon. Falls just short of the line.

10 min: Both teams keen on attack and making metres. It's going to be a cracker of a game.0 all

12 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos Great attacking play by the Broncos. Hunt kicks out wide 20 metres from the line. Kemp nabs an awkward ball to score. Conversion attempt by Michael Ennis unsuccessful. Brisbane Broncos 4-0

15 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos The Broncos right back on attack following the first try. A deft little kick by Wallace to the in goal is pounced upon by Ennis. Conversion attempt by Michael Ennis successful. Brisbane Broncos 10-0

20 min: The Sea Eagles stepping up the pace an after both attacking sets, Hunt is at the back to save the day.

27 min: TRY Manly Sea Eagles The Sea Eagles finally able to breach the Broncos defence. Lyon with a great high ball out wide manages to find Robertson who brings the ball around behind the posts. Conversion attempt by Matt Orford successful. Brisbane Broncos 10-6

35 min: Robinson for the Broncos tries to catch an ball in goal, with a mind of its on. The ball bounces wrong for him. He manages to grab it, almost knocking it on, but regathering in the field of play. All while the Manly defence is hounding him.

37 min: Hunt having a blinder for the Broncos at the back, as Lyon continuously puts up the high ball.

40 min: PENALTY GOAL Brisbane Broncos A dangerous tackle gives the Broncos an easy 2 points 30 metres out from the posts. Brisbane Broncos 12-6

HALFTIME: The home side leads at the break, but the Sea Eagles had the better run late in the half.

41 min: Second half underway.

43 min: Pressure on the Broncos early in the half as a mistake is made 20 metres out from the Manly line. Brilliant defence pressures Orford into a mistake as he looked dead cert to score.

46 min: LINE DROPOUT - Sea Eagles. Hunt deflects a nice little chip by Orford.

48 min: TRY Manly Sea Eagles Nice pressure by the Sea Eagles. Good little run around play and Bell crosses over for the try. Conversion attempt by Matt Orford successful. 12 all

52 min: TRY Manly Sea Eagles Menzies scores his 1st try for 2008 after once again, some great attacking options from the Sea Eagles spreading the Broncos defence, allowing Menzies to score under the posts. Conversion attempt by Matt Orford successful. Manly Sea Eagles 18-12

57 min: Mistakes coming thick and fast from the Broncos as they try just a little too hard to get back into the match.

58 min: TRY Manly Sea Eagles From the mistake by the Broncos, Matai makes them pay as he busts the line with L'Strange and Kite always ready to back up. Conversion attempt by Matt Orford successful. Manly Sea Eagles 24-12

61 min: L'Strange and Kemp with a bit of a head clash. Both okay to continue.

62 min: This time Hannant and Williamson clash heads. Hannant leaving the field with his lip hanging.

63 min: Wallace hits the ground hard with Perry making sure he stays down. A bit of blood, and suddenly there's feeling in the game, with the crowd right into it.

68 min: Penalty to Sea Eagles 30 metres out from their line.

69 min: ATTEMPTED PENALTY GOAL Manly Sea Eagles

Manly Sea Eagles 24-12

71 min: TRY Manly Sea Eagles Sea Eagles once again go thru their set with a kick cross field by Orford to finish it off. Brett Stewart, as always lurking, grabs the try. Conversion attempt by Matt Orford successful. Manly Sea Eagles 30-12

77 min: Hunt being bombarded by high balls but as safe as houses today at the back for the Broncos.

79 min: A break by the Broncos gives the crowd something to cheer about, but called back for a forward pass. Brett Stewart carrying a leg injury out on the wing.

FULLTIME: The Sea Eagles looking the goods in Brisbane today against a Broncos side depleted with injuries.