Harry Bergelin makes a break in Saturday’s entertaining win over Northern Suburbs. Photo: Adam MacDonald
| Marlins maintain momentum after defeating Shoremen By MRFC |
| What: Shute Shield round 12 |
| Who: Manly V Northern Suburbs |
| Where: Manly Oval |
| Result: Manly 40-31 |
| Manly is where on the table: Fifth (37 points) |
80 minutes in 80 seconds:
Norths struck first after a sustained period of pressure in the Manly half but Manly would answer back with three quick tries. Beaudein Waaka opened up the scoring after a Ben Howard break then Kotoni Ale crashed over after some very nice phase play. The impressive new Marlins finisher Jay Baker crossed after some lovely hands and it was 19-5 and the Marlins well in control. Norths had other ideas however and evened up the ledger with two more tries before the break to make it 19 all at half-time. The second half was predominately all Manly with the Marlins playing some terrific attacking Rugby, crossing through Waaka again, Harry Bergelin and Jimmy Ohmsen. Norths did threaten a fight back but the Marlins had done too much on the scoreboard and held out a late onslaught to take the win 40-31.
Where it was Won:
Manly's attack was very very impressive. Lots of running Rugby and lovely interchange between backs and forwards. Coach Brain Melrose does have a reputation for bringing out the best in attacking potential and with the types of player he has at his disposal Manly fans will have every right to be excited about what this team can do coming into the final third of the season.
Marlins' best:
Beaudein Waaka, James Ohmsen, Harry Bergelin
What they said:
“Both teams dominated different periods of the match and alternated being on top. Looking toward the games ahead theres a banana skin around every corner in this competition and we have slipped up in these positions in the past. We were beaten at Easts last year and it will be interesting to see if we can turn the tables next week" – Manly coach Brian Melrose
Worth a mention:
The boys are on a roll and have started to make a statement against the premier sides in the competition. The matches do become harder now with more teams reaping the benefit of some returning Super Rugby players but our boys have shown they can mix it with that so bring it on!
Where to from here:
The Marlins have a tricky assignment at Woollahra Oval against Eastern Suburbs who will be desperate to keep in touch with the top six.
