A dominant first half performance laid the platform for Manly's 28-22 win over a spirited Kaiviti Silktails in Fiji today in round 22 of the Jersey Flegg Cup.
In a match played in very humid conditions at Churchill Park, Lautoka, the Sea Eagles raced to a commanding 28-0 lead at half-time before overcoming a late comeback from the Silktails, who are in their first season in the U21s competition.
The Sea Eagles opened the scoring in the second minute after a short pass from hooker Daniel O'Donnell saw prop Kylan Mafoa crash over under the posts for a 6-0 lead.
Manly went to a 12-0 lead after 10 minutes when centre Alton Naiyep backed up a break down the short side by half-back Travis May to race away to score.
A short ball from May saw prop Devante Mihinui crash over next to the posts for a 18-0 lead.
O'Donnell then delivered another short ball for Jesse Jackson to fall over the line for a 24-0 lead 10 minutes later.
Prop Carsen Patu then used his strength to crash over the posts off another O'Donnell short ball to make it 28-0 at half-time.
The Silktails opened their account in the 48th minute when winger Jone Navunidreudreu juggled a pass to score in the corner after a shift to the left to make it 28-6.
A break down the right flank from centre Sevanaia Tovutos saw full-back Sulio Loka scored under the posts to make it 28-12 after 53 minutes.
The Silktails set up a grandstand finish when a break by centre Mitchell Poulter
saw him send Tevita Wanisi over for a 28-18.
Two minutes, a long cut out pass from half-back Melikiseteki Nacaginimasei saw winger Tevita Wanisi cross over unmarked for a 28-22 scoreline.
The Sea Eagles dug deep to keep the Silktails at bay to deny them their first win of the season.
The fifth placed Sea Eagles now take on competition leaders Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium, Canberra, at 10.30am on Saturday, August 10.
