Storm suffocate Sea Eagles

The Melbourne Storm have put their 2010 salary cap saga behind them with an 18-6 shut-out of the Manly Sea Eagles infront of a passionate home crowd.

Manly opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a penalty goal, before Mebourne hit back to lock the contest up at 2-all.

Winger Matt Duffie crossed in the 36th minute but once again the opposition retaliated, Manly flanker Michael Robertson added his name to the try scoring list when he snuck over right on the stroke of halftime.

The second half started at 6-all, before Storm centres Chase Stanley (52nd minute) and Dane Nielsen (68th minute) broke the deadlock and stretched their team's advantage to 18-6.

Although not at their best, it was another well structured performance from the Bellamy-coached side. Starting at prop, Adam Blair was the leader of pack for the Storm, while opposing number eleven Anthony Watmough proved typically tough to bring to ground.

Next week, Melbourne will look to built on a gritty win in their round two clash with the Titans on the Gold Coast, while Manly face a big challenge against the impressive Sydney Roosters.

Match Details
Melbourne Storm 18 defeated Manly Sea Eagles 6
National Rugby League - Round 1 - Saturday March 12, 2011 7:30pm
Venue: AAMI Park
Referee: Matt Cecchin and Gavin Reynolds
Video Referee: Bernard Sutton
Touch Judges: Steve Chiddy and Gavin Atkins
Crowd: 14,651
Halftime: Melbourne Storm 6 Manly Sea Eagles 6

Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 Points - Cooper Cronk
2 Points - Cameron Smith (2 Conversions, 1 Penalty Goal)
1 Point - Glenn Stewart

MELBOURNE STORM (18)
Tries: Chase Stanley, Dane Nielsen, Matt Duffie
Conversions: Cameron Smith (2/3)
Penalty Goals: Cameron Smith (1/1)

MANLY SEA EAGLES (6)
Tries: Michael Robertson
Conversions: Daly Cherry-Evans (0/1)
Penalty Goals: Jamie Lyon (1/1)