Last-placed Manly have upset ladder-leading Melbourne in their Anzac day clash at AAMI Park with a hard-fought 12-10 victory.
The Sea Eagles hit the front in the 71st minute after man of the match, halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, threw a long cut-out pass for winger David Williams to dive across in the corner.
It proved to be the winning play as, despite the best efforts of Melbourne centre Kurt Mann, who came within centimetres of scoring with two minutes to play, the Storm were unable to find the points to pick up their fourth consecutive win.
The Sea Eagles deserved the victory with their defensive effort first rate.
Manly went into the game on the back of five losses with their only win for the season a round-two victory over Melbourne.
That time, the margin was also two points.
Played in difficult conditions with rain falling for much of the game, both teams delivered an entertaining match.
The home side led 10-2 at halftime with tries to in-form winger Marika Koroibete and Cooper Cronk.
Halfback Cronk was only cleared to play following their final training session after spending the week in bed with flu.
He and Cherry-Evans waged a battle all game, with both standouts among their sides.
Koroibete also had a busy night, repeatedly testing the Sea Eagles’ defensive line.
He left the field temporarily with 15 minutes remaining for a concussion test after he made a break and was brought down in a three-man tackle, with fullback Brett Stewart put on report for his contribution.
Sea Eagles centre Steve Matai was also put on report in the first half for an alleged high tackle on his Storm opposite Will Chambers.
Manly’s other try was scored by lock Tom Symonds after the Storm were repeatedly penalised for slowing down the play the ball.
That closed the gap to 10-8 before Williams nudged his side ahead.
Meesta Cool
Guest
Yup.. maybe the refs will be as kind to them in next few games. Ohh for some consistancy... half way through the second half it looked like ref was gonna penalise on 5th tackle until Manly got over the line.. IT WORKED.
Jason Hosken
Guest
Great result for Manly. I suspect the conditions worked to Manly's advantage, nonetheless they did well to fight for their first win at AAMI. Manly not without hope of a top 8 surge with consecutive home games v Newcastle and Penrith. A touch of confidence along with the return of several injured stars and may be Manly can give their fans a few smiles at the back end.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
I agree. Manly fans should be real impressed with that effort last night. Yeah, no Slater, but you can only play what's in front of you. Plus, it was at AAMI park and there were a few Manly players out. Cronk looks off to me. Like out of rythym or something. Maybe it's a new halves pairing? He always looks like he's ahead of the play and isn't getting the ball where and when he wants it.
Tom G
Guest
No discussion necessary. Manly were the better side for only the second time this year and got the result they deserved.
Vivalasvegan
Guest
Storm were never going to win that game. Is NRL more like a lottery or more like WWF... Discuss