Manly Turbo-charged as Warriors spill last chance

Embed from Getty Images

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles v Warriors

Manly have solidified their position as a finals dark-horse after a strong 24-10 victory over a disappointing Warriors side before a big crowd at 4 Pines Park.

After the Warriors dominated the early field position, a 40/20 by Daly Cherry-Evans changed momentum for the Eagles. Following successive ruck infringements, the visitors had to crack and it was the ball playing of Tom Trbojevic who created the extra man and found Jason Saab to cross for the opener.

Despite throwing a lot of further attack at the Warriors, Manly was unable to muster up anymore attacking chances. The Warriors then marched up-field off a penalty and thought they hit back. It took strong attacking play down the left isolated Manly's right edge and Adam Pompey was able to outmuscle the defence to score. However, Kasey Badger ruled DCE was obstructed, and the try was overturned.

Fortunately, the visitors forced an error from Tommy Turbo and went back down that right edge of Manly's. Addin Fonua-Blake isolated the Manly edge one on one and got a great offload to Shaun Johnson who crossed in his last game at Brookvale to level the scores.

Manly hit back like the class outfit they are. A brilliant ball from Brooks cutting Tommy Talau underneath saw him into a yawning gap created by Johnson and Niukore. Talau found Turbo and Manly are back in front by a converted try.

After a scrappy period of football which saw both sides concede a plethora of ruck infringements. The Warriors capitalised with a trick shot down the right hand side which saw Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad combine with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak who dived in the corner to reduce the gap for the Warriors. Luke Metcalf put aside a poor first attempt to add the extras and level the scores. Both sides couldn't be split at the change of ends in an enterprising game of football.

After a stop, start opening to the second half. Manly capitalised best on the rain that was tumbling down. A great kick from DCE was well taken by Reuben Garrick and Manly regained the lead by a converted try midway through the second half. Both sides had their fair share of chances but it was a Pompey error which gave Manly the chance to seal the game. A brilliant cut-out ball from Tom Trbojevic found it's mark and it was Lehi Hopoate who put the game out of the Warriors reach. Garrick added a penalty goal on full-time to make it a 14 point win. Eight players earnt the wrath of the referee and bunker as being put on report.

Meanwhile the Warriors' season is done and dusted, with plenty of stars leaving there will be a substantial change of the guard in Auckland next year.