On a sweltering afternoon at 4 Pines Park, the South Sydney Rabbitohs surreptitiously defeated the Sea Eagles, 16–14. In the first round of the Jersey Flegg Cup, the two teams squared off for the two competition points.
Even though Manly scored the opening try of the game, they were unable to overcome a 10–4 halftime disadvantage and unfortunately lost. In the last moments of the game, they had an opportunity to tie the score, but their attempt at a penalty kick went wide.
After giving up a knock-on in the opening set of the match, the home team was put to the test right away. They showed their resilience in defense and kept the Rabbitohs at bay for two straight games in spite of the early blow.
Max Hayley’s score in the sixth minute gave Manly the reward for their perseverance. After receiving a short ball at the line, the second-rower tore through the defense to take an early four-point lead.
In the 19th minute, the Sea Eagles came dangerously close to scoring their second try when winger Una Uasi’s efforts were matched by the opposing winger, who took him over the sideline and ruined the opportunity.
South Sydney scored in the very next set, riding their newfound momentum. In their second meeting in as many minutes, winger Rowan McIntosh dove over in the corner to tie the score at four points apiece.
Minutes before halftime, Rabbitohs fullback Dane Towns scored after numerous sets at Manly’s line. Towns scored under the posts after grabbing a loose ball and taking advantage of the Sea Eagles’ exhaustion. At the half, halfback Brent Hawkins led 10–4 after converting from ahead of the pack.
Winger Teapo Stoltman’s score in the first minute of the second half gave Manly a tremendous start. A well-executed team attempt culminated in a 10-8 scoreline after taking advantage of a mistake made by South Sydney, thanks to a strong effort by center Charlie Thompson who assisted throw the winger over in the corner.
In the 55th minute, the Rabbitohs retaliated when center Carson Kaho scored in the corner following a change to the left edge. Hawkins’ conversion from the sideline put his team ahead by eight points.
At 4 Pines Park, the host team resisted giving up and pulled the game back to within striking distance. With seven minutes remaining, forward Carsen Patu hammered the ball down beneath the posts. Blake Metcalfe, the fullback, scored a conversion from the front to reduce the margin to two points.
In the final seconds, South Sydney gave up a penalty and nearly lost the game. Sadly, Metcalfe missed his attempt to equalize the score for the Sea Eagles. The Rabbitohs took advantage of the error, winning by a slim margin of two points.
In Round Two of the Jersey Flegg Cup, the Sea Eagles play the Sydney Roosters on Sunday, March 17, at 12 p.m. at 4 Pines Park.
Sea Eagles 14 (Tries: Max Hayley 6′, Teapo Stoltman 40′, Carsen Patu 62′, Blake Metcalf 1/4 goals) against. Rabbitohs 16 (Tries: Rowan McIntosh 20′, Dane Towns 32′, Brent Hawkins 2/3 goals)
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