| Harry Bergelin on the charge v Western Sydney |
| Marlins get the job done …but only just By Adam Lucius |
| What: Shute Shield round 1 |
| Who: Manly v Western Sydney Two Blues |
| Where: Manly Oval |
| Result: Manly 39-26 |
| Manly is where on the table: Fifth (5 points) |
80 minutes in 80 seconds:
Coach Brian Melrose said his team played like they were having a day at the beach and it certainly had that laid-back feel on a warm autumn’s afternoon. The Marlins started slowly and trailed 7-0 early before tries to Alex Northam, Kotoni Ale, Harry Bergelin and Michael Adams served up a 24-7 lead. An unconverted try on the bell gave the Two Blues reason to believe. Another Western Sydney try seven minutes after the resumption gave them further belief and had Manly fans squirming uncomfortably in their seats. With just five points separating the sides, this could have gone either way with half an hour to go. Tries to Adams and Tim Donlan – and a Nic Holton penalty – inside the final 20 minutes ensured Manly started the season with a win. But it was a close-run thing.
Where it was won:
This one wasn’t sealed until the 71st minute via Manly’s sixth try of the day, so I guess that’s where you could say it was won. Until then, it was a 50-50 game. Some desperate defence and an extra touch of class here and there proved the difference in the end.
Marlins' best:
Alex Humfrey, Harry Bergelin, Beaudein Waaka
What they said:
“I wouldn’t have said we got the job done – we just ended up with more points than them. There was barely a redeeming feature. There was no punch or flow. We looked short of a run and were a long way off where we need to be.” – Manly coach Brian “Billy” Melrose
Worth a mention:
before the game, the new electronic scoreboard was officially launched by local pollies and officials from the Marlins and Manly-Warringah Cricket Club. It’s an absolute beauty and will further enhance the match-day experience. Once those at the controls lose the L plates, look for extra features on the big screen, including try replays during telecast games. Rusty has offered to show some old home movies at halftime but that proposal is still before the board.
Where to from here:
It’s never an easy afternoon at TG Milner and that’s where Manly find themselves on Saturday. The Woodies opened their campaign with a 40-12 thumping of Randwick.
SO GOOD TO BE BACK!!
COLTS AT HOME THIS SATURDAY V EASTWOOD!
HOW FANTASTIC WAS THE NEW SCOREBOARD?
2019 MRFC FUNCTIONS AND EVENTS
| DATE | EVENT | VENUE |
| 4th May | Ladies Day | Manly Oval |
| 25th May | Derby Day v Warringah | Manly Oval |
| 22nd June | Juniors Day | Manly Oval |
| 14th June | Sporting Lunch | Novotel Manly |
| 6th July | Back to Manly Day | Manly Oval |
