| Second half collapse leads to disappointing Marlins loss |
| What: Shute Shield round 7 |
| Who: Randwick v Manly |
| Where: Coogee Oval |
| Result: Randwick 37-15 |
| Manly is where on the table: Seventh (16 points) |
80 minutes in 80 seconds:
Things were tight early before Randwick edged ahead via a penalty goal. The Marlins responded with back-to-back tries to Josh Turner and Beaudein Waaka for a 10-3 lead before the home side crossed just before the break to narrow the gap to two. We didn’t even have time to get back from the can bar before the Galloping Greens opened the second half scoring within a minute to take a 13-10 advantage. The lead changed hands for a fourth time when Alex Humfrey finished off some great work from half Harry Emery to crash over. The new Coogee Oval scoreboard flashed up a 15-13 scoreline to the good guys. But that’s where the joy ended. Randwick scored the next 24 points unanswered (aided and abetted by our two yellow cards) to record a rare win over the men in blue.
Where it was Lost:
If we’re honest, the writing was on the wall within 60 seconds of the second half when the Wicks strolled through to score next to the posts. The hosts dominated territory, possession (and the scrum) from that point on to run out comfortable victors. Did we say it was disappointing?
Marlins' best:
Big Le Roux Roets was a handful before being replaced and James Ohmsen threatened from fullback, but overall this is not one we will look back on with fondness.
What they said:
“That was very disappointing. We played some pretty average footy. It’s a very tight comp and you’ve got to be on every week. We’ve got to pull it together within seven days.” – winger Josh Turner
Worth a mention:
It’s becoming quite evident that this Shute Shield competition is like no other we’ve seen in recent times. Ladder positions and reputation mean little once the whistle blows. The Wicks were second last coming into this game and blew Manly off the park in the last 40. It was stern reminder that nothing can be taken for granted and intensity levels can’t drop, no matter who the opposition.
Where to from here:
Surely this one has been in your diary for 12 months, but here it is anyway. All roads lead to Manly Oval on Saturday for the first local derby of 2019.
