Stewart soars for Sea Eagles over gritty Tigers

The Manly Sea Eagles have returned to winning form at Brookvale Oval today, defeating the Wests Tigers 23-10 in front of almost 18,000 ecstatic fans.

The Tigers gave a great account of themselves against the Sea Eagles but Brett Stewart made the difference today. The early running went the way of the Wests Tigers with an early try to Beau Ryan.

But three tries to Brett Stewart gave Manly the impetus to go on with the job, and the boys from the Northern beaches skipped out to a 16-4 halftime lead.

With Matt Orford calling the shots and back in his 2008 Dally M winning form, the home side then extended their lead in the second half to put the visitors away for good. The Tigers shot back in the final ten minutes through a John Morris four-pointer, but it wasn't enough as a final field goal from Matt Orford confirmed the result, Manly's first win of 2009.

Manly will be keen to continue their newfound form when they travel to ANZ Stadium on Saturday to face the high-flying Rabbitohs, while the Tigers will lick their wounds for a full eight days before hosting the Storm at Leichhardt in next week's instalment of Monday Night Football.

Most importantly for the Sea Eagles it lifts them from the dreaded last position - which they have managed to consign the Sharks to based on for-and-against. The Tigers, while still having two wins under their belt, now have the worst points differential in the game.

Match Details Manly Sea Eagles 23 vs Wests Tigers 10 Round 5 - Sunday April 12th, 2009, 3:00pm Venue: Brookvale Oval Referee: Shayne Hayne & Tony De Las Heras Sideline Officials: Daniel Eastwood & Steve Chiddy Video Referee: Paul Simpkins Crowd: 17,942 Half time: Sea Eagles 16-4

Manly Sea Eagles 23 Tries: Glenn Hall, Brett Stewart (3) Field Goals: Matt Orford (1/1) Goals: Jamie Lyon (3/4) Wests Tigers 10 Tries: Beau Ryan, John Morris Goals: Benji Marshall (1/2)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Matt Orford (Sea Eagles) 2 Points: Brett Stewart (Sea Eagles) 1 Point: Anthony Watmough (Sea Eagles)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary SEA EAGLES: 1. Brett Stewart 2. Michael Robertson 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Steve Matai 5. Michael Bani 6. Chris Bailey 7. Matt Orford (c) 8. Brent Kite 9. Matt Ballin 10. Josh Perry 11. Anthony Watmough 12. Glenn Hall 13. Glenn Stewart Interchange: 14. Heath L