Eels vs Sea Eagles - Match Report

Skyhunter · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:06 pm Post subject: Eels vs Sea Eagles - Match Report

30/07/2007

By Manly Sea Eagles

It was billed as one of the games of the Season. Manly were looking to cement a top 2 finish, Parramatta were looking to secure a home final. Manly were looking for their first win on Parra soil in 10 years and the Eels were looking to build on the form that has seen them climb the ladder with defeats over quality opposition.

Over 20,000 fans packed into Parramatta stadium and about 19,000 were there for one purpose – to boo Jamie Lyon. And boo him they did. From the time the Sea Eagles took the field to the final siren Lyon copped a verbal barrage from the Parramatta fans, but it was Lyon who had the last laugh with 2 late tries that handed the Sea Eagles the win.

The Sea Eagles temporarily silenced the parochial Parramatta crowd with a try in the opening 3 minutes of the game. Matt Orford placed a perfectly weighted chip into the corner and Michael Robertson was on hand to grab the ball and ground it just inside the corner post. Orford was unable to convert the try.

The Eels were unlucky not to hit back on Ten minutes in. Steve Matai was struggling with a neck problem on the left side the Eels halfback slotted a beautifully grubber through the Manly line. Ben Smith was first to the ball but after going to the video ref it was clear that the Parramatta centre never grounded it.

Just four minutes later a Eels knock on gave the Sea Eagles another fantastic attacking opportunity. A deep backline gave Orford a number of options and the Manly captain threw a long pass cutting out four Manly players and found Michael Robertson on the wing. Robertson was quickly shut down but a flying Brett Stewart loomed up on the inside and the Manly fullback dived over in the corner. After going to the video referee the try was awarded. Orford was unable to convert from almost the same position as the previous attempt.

Manly had made full use of their attacking opportunities while Parramatta on the other hand had not converted their chances, that was until Eric Grothe steamed down the right wing. Grothe received the ball standing still on the Manly 35m, smashed into Robertson and ran over the top of him, fended of Orford and beat a cover tackle by Brett Stewart to score out wide. Grothe probably could have improved the position but a perfect sideline conversion from Inu brought the Eels back with in two points.

The Eels took the lead in the 26th minute on the back of 4 repeat sets and while Manly’s defence did exceptionally well to hold them out the line was eventually broken by a very brilliant AFL style short kick from Tim Smith to Ben Smith, who had positioned himself ball side of Orford. Inu added the extras from close range.

A knock on by Watmough inside his own 20m gave the Eels another attacking opportunity shortly after and it wasn’t long before Jarryd Hayne found open space. After going to the video ref for obstruction the try was awarded and Inu’s conversion took the Eels out to an 18-8 lead, which they held until halftime.

Steve Menzies had seen limited game time in the first half but his impact in the second half was immediate. Menzies received the ball about 15m out from the try line, threw a dummy to Stewart and went himself. With two Parramatta defenders on his back, Menzies powered his way to the line and stretched out to plant the ball. The video ref awarded the try and Matt Orford converted from about 15m in from touch.

Brent Kite struck next for the Sea Eagles with a damaging run from close range. Kite was brought down by four Eels defenders but was able to get the ball free and placed it on the line. After going to the video ref, yet again, the decision was sent back to the referee who awarded the try. Matt Orford converted from in front and gave the Sea Eagles a two point lead.

The tide of possession swung again midway through the second half and Parramatta converted it into points. Quick hands on the left side and a basketball pass from Tahu gave Inu enough space to dive for the corner. Inu converted his own try from the sideline and the Eels were back in the lead 24-20.

Manly lifted again when it was needed and Brett Stewart was instrumental in the Sea Eagles’ comeback. A break up the middle from the fullback put them in the attacking zone and a few tackles later Stewart threw a lovely short ball to Lyon who went straight through the Parramatta defence to score about 15m in from touch. Orford’s boot was on target and put the Eagles two points in front.

Jamie Lyon continued to rub salt in the Parramatta wounds and came up with a great kick chase pinning Jarryd Hayne within his in goal, but Lyon’s crowning glory came in the 70th minute when Brett Stewart sent him through the Parramatta defensive line in a carbon copy of the previous try. Orford continued his perfect second half record with the boot giving Manly an eight point lead.

Manly’s determination and effort was best displayed in the 74th minute when PJ Marsh made a break and looked certain to score. An ever present Brett Stewart came flying across in cover defence and brought down the Parramatta interchange player just a metre or two from the try line. Chris Hicks came in to ensure the ball didn’t cross the line but the real credit went to Stewart for his great cover tackle.

In front of 20,000 screaming Parramatta fans, Manly came from behind on two occasions to win the match 32-24. It was a very important win for the Sea Eagles and has sealed a home semi-final.

“I think we showed a lot of character and a lot of toughness.” Coach Des Hasler said in the post match press conference.

“We showed some patience and when given some possession we were able to hang in there.”

Best for Manly was fullback Brett Stewart who threw the last pass in two of Manly’s six tries and scored one himself. Jamie Lyon played well under enormous pressure and his two late tries to win the match were extremely sweet.

“He just went out there and got on with business.” Matt Orford said of Lyon.

“We’ve been grinding out these wins, we haven’t been flogging teams. But we are coming second on the ladder so we must be doing something right.” The Manly captain said.

Orford had a strong game himself setting up 2 tries and Manly’s back rowers of Watmough and Stewart continued their tireless work rate.

Brent Kite led the way up front in another brilliant but largely uncredited performance. Kite made a team high 136m and 29 tackles. Second to Kite in the metres department was Anthony Watmough (133) and Glenn Stewart (116), in defence Glenn Stewart made 31 tackles and behind Kite was Michael Monaghan with 28.

It was great match for the Sea Eagles and has set them up well as they prepare for a testing run into the finals that includes away games against the Broncos, Rabbitohs, and Warriors, Newcastle in Gosford and finally the Dragons at home in round 25.

Match Stats

Sea Eagles: Tries: Lyon 2, Robertson, B.Stewart, Menzies, Kite. Goals: Orford 4/6.
Eels: Tries: Grothe, B.Smith, Hayne, Inu. Goals: Inu 4/4.
Penalties: Sea Eagles 4 - 6 Eels
Errors: Sea Eagles 10 - 10 Eels
Crowd: 20,113

Source: http://www.manlyseaeagles.com.au/news.asp?tx=39&newsid=2214