A last-minute try from the Manly Marlins was enough to secure a draw with top-placed Eastwood at a sunny TG Millner Field yesterday.
With the scores tied 13-all at the break, a try from Eastwood’s Hugh Perrett gave the home side a 26-21 lead with seven minutes remaining. A Powerful maul from the Manly pack levelled the scores at the death and gave them a chance to snatch victory with the conversion. Although Tom Chesters’ touchline kick was unsuccessful, Manly take away a valuable two points that sees them sit equal-fourth with Southern Districts, who have a game in hand.
Elsewhere, Gordon put in one of their best performances of the year to down local rivals Norths at Chatswood, with a last-minute conversion stealing a one-point win. Undetered by the vocal Parramatta crowd, West Harbour proved their worth against the Two Blues, running in an impressive 11 tries in a 67-31 victory over their western Sydney rivals.
In today’s rescheduled Round 12 match, Norths were back in action for the second time in two days, running in seven tries in a comfortable 52-7 victory over Penrith.
With the remaining three matches of Round 13 (Warringah against Sydney University, Penrith against Southern Districts and Randwick up against Eastern Suburbs) taking place next weekend, Eastwood retains its top-of-the-table position, seven points clear of the second-placed Students, who have a game in hand.
