Trip down south on a hot day.
4's
was a game that should have been put away in the first half, territory and possession led to only 2 unconverted tries, opportunities weren't finished (round one), and it was 10 – zip at the break. Allot of changes made at half time and through the second half, again some great attacking raids were finished, we leaked a converted try and South’s kicked a penalty on the bell, 10 / 10. Max Wood having a strong game making good choices
3s
played a good first half, with the backs playing with some great width, Kiwi crossed for a couple of nice try’s, his second coming off a great backline movement from our own 22. Should have come home in the second half but South’s pegged us back and squeezed home in a close one.
Loosies Meaney and Watson getting through a mountain of work and having strong games, and Chris Cocca completed his pre season with a strong game upfront.
2s
Both sides fielding sharp sides that held players that could step up into 1’s, Jumped out to a 19 – 5 lead in the first half with Yazz showing serious gas on the left wing, and 2 of last year’s colts stepping up in the front row dominating the scrum and showing great mobility. With South’s down to 14 men through a yellow and we left our boots in the sheds at the break and they it was 17 – 19 very quickly. It was then a game that went down to the wire, with both teams sharing another converted try each (4 tries each). The 10 minutes after the beak was a decisive period in the game, solid hit out, one that should have been won and so things to take away. Well done to the two last year’s colts stepping (Scott White & Sio Tatola) with solid games, hope Scotty’s injury isn’t too bad, and new backline combo of Mexted, Ellis, Oli looks good.
1s
Was always going to be a tough hit out to start the year, top 4 teams of last year hitting it out in round one. South’s took the bacon, and Manly scored 3 tries to South’s 2 so yeah it was a battle for the full 80. We ran into a stiff wind in the first half and South’s game plan became very clear, basic, safe football and cross the add line – they did it well, gained good territory, and crossed for 2 tries and a penalty goal in the first half 17 – 0. Not long after the break with some good ball movement Relli crosses right in the corner, and then Rome crosses next to the sticks after a sharp dash by Lucas off a line out and its game on at 17 – 12.
South’s again – basic game plan, recycle possession, and cross the add line creates two penalty kick opportunities, and Marlins score another try out wide for the 23 – 17 score line.
Need to look at dominating the collision, and grassing the ball carrier when playing against that type of game plan.
Thought Dennis was Manly best DA & Lane having strong games.