Manly 48 Norths 10 in 1st colts
Manly went to Bon Andrews knowing they would be for a tough game given it was Norths home field and that they had just lost to Randwick last week. Manly also were missing some players to Oz 20 commitments and injury.
From the outset Manly looked to establish a strong forward presence which allowed them to spread the ball wide all day. Their normal half was playing at 10 and was loving the extra space this allowed him. He created the first try with a beautiful cut out to the left winger, a solid build who had a very good turn of speed. In the first half the 12 continually broke through the Norths defensive line. This combination of the 10 and the 12 was proving deadly and when the 8 decided to join in it normally meant points. Score at half time was 29-5
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with Manly dominating in both defence and attack. Norths never gave up and kept going at Manly but they never were going to threaten the Marlins today.
This Manly side, even without those players missing, plays a very exciting and expansive game. Very little kicking in general play and a desire to keep the ball in hand. The whole team performed today and while the backs looked good the forward pack was dominant at set pieces and in their mobility and aggression around the park. They proved the saying "Backs may win you the game but the forwards will determine by how much."
Best for Manly in the forwards were ... Can't find a standout they were all good. In the backs the 9,10 and 12 were very good.
As a Norths supporter who was present at the Colts games on Saturday I would like to say that this report is a load of absolute one-eyed nonsense ..... unfortunately I can't, it's spot on. Manly totally dominated across the park. Many of the Norths guys tried hard, but it just wasn't enough - congratulations to Manly you deserved your win. a real team effort.