Refer:
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411749/1973792
Manly solidify top spot with big win
Aug 2, 2008
Manly continued their charge towards the NRL minor premiership with a convincing 30-10 win over Penrith at Brookvale Oval on Friday night.
The Sea Eagles bounced back from last week's heavy loss to the Sydney Roosters to maintain a two-point lead atop the competition table five rounds out from the finals.
Veteran back-rower Steve Menzies, in his 340th first-grade game, was outstanding for the Sea Eagles, scoring one try, setting up another and proving a constant menace for the Panthers' defence.
Glenn Hall, Steve Bell, David Williams, Michael Robertson and Brett Stewart also scored while Penrith's tries went to centre Michael Jennings and lock Nathan Smith.
The win was a vital one for Manly, with Melbourne's convincing win over the Gold Coast on Friday keeping the pressure on at the top of the competition ahead of the grand-final rematch between the two sides next Friday.
Penrith, who had back-rower Frank Pritchard ruled out with a shoulder injury just before kick-off, were let down by ill-discipline and poor decision making in an error-riddled performance.
They remain in seventh but will drop out of the top eight if Canberra and the New Zealand Warriors win their matches this weekend.
When Jennings stepped his way over on the back of Rhys Wesser break just before halftime to make it 22-6 at the break, it gave the Panthers some hope of a miraculous comeback.
But any hopes were ended in the 51st minute when Menzies busted a tackle and powered his way to the line for his 172nd career try.
Panthers halfback Luke Lewis and Sea Eagles centre Steve Matai were forced from the field in the 56th minute after a sickening head clash, before Brett Stewart further extended the lead two minutes later.
The fullback showed great skills to tap a Matt Orford grubber over the head of Panthers winger Michael Gordon, before regathering it to score his 13th try of the season.
Penrith grabbed a late consolation try to Smith before being denied another, which would have been a stunner to hooker Masada Iosefa, by the video referee.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer:
http://www.nrl.com.au/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=52240
Sea Eagles cruise to win over Panthers
By Liam Fitzgibbon
AAP
Manly have continued their charge towards the NRL minor premiership with a convincing 30-10 win over Penrith at Brookvale Oval.
The Sea Eagles bounced back from last week's heavy loss to the Sydney Roosters to maintain a two-point lead atop the competition table five rounds out from the finals.
Veteran back-rower Steve Menzies, in his 340th first-grade game, was outstanding for the Sea Eagles, scoring one try, setting up another and proving a constant menace for the Panthers' defence.
Glenn Hall, Steve Bell, David Williams, Michael Robertson and Brett Stewart also scored while Penrith's tries went to centre Michael Jennings and lock Nathan Smith.
The win was a vital one for Manly, with Melbourne's convincing win over the Gold Coast keeping the pressure on at the top of the competition ahead of the grand-final rematch between the two sides next Friday.
Penrith, who had back-rower Frank Pritchard ruled out with a shoulder injury just before kick-off, were let down by ill-discipline and poor decision making in an error-riddled performance.
They remain in seventh but will drop out of the top eight if Canberra and the New Zealand Warriors win their matches this weekend.
When Jennings stepped his way over on the back of Rhys Wesser break just before halftime to make it 22-6 at the break, it gave the Panthers some hope of a miraculous comeback.
But any hopes were ended in the 51st minute when Menzies busted a tackle and powered his way to the line for his 172nd career try.
Panthers halfback Luke Lewis and Sea Eagles centre Steve Matai were forced from the field in the 56th minute after a sickening head clash, before Brett Stewart further extended the lead two minutes later.
The fullback showed great skills to tap a Matt Orford grubber over the head of Panthers winger Michael Gordon, before regathering it to score his 13th try of the season.
Penrith grabbed a late consolation try to Smith before being denied another, which would have been a stunner to hooker Masada Iosefa, by the video referee.
Manly coach Des Hasler was pleased with the performance but said an improvement was needed in next week's top-of-the-table clash with the Storm.
"I thought we started really well and controlled all the things we needed to," Hasler said.
"We were probably guilty of taking our foot off the pedal a little bit which was disappointing.
"They (Melbourne) are a very good side and they're just trying to hit their straps after Origin and I still maintain they are the benchmark.
"We just probably need to improve in a few areas."
Orford looked to be struggling at times with a groin injury that has plagued him in recent weeks and was given an early mark by Hasler, but said it was a manageable problem.
Panthers coach Matthew Elliott said his side was simply outplayed but knew the performance wasn't a true indication of where his team was at.
"We played a very good football team today," Elliott said.
"I guess the positive is we were a long way off our best footy, I thought that was pretty obvious to see ... we're a far more capable team than that."
Elliott said it was too early to tell if Lewis would miss Saturday's clash with the Bulldogs but described him as "an unhealthy boy."
"He's in a bad way, it's a really, really nasty cut ... down to the skull," Elliott said.
Matai returned to the field late in the game after suffering a minor cut in the head clash.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer:
http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=16723
Clinical Eagles Look Forward to the Storm
Written by: Vlado Mazevski
August 1st, 2008 10:01pm
The Manly Sea Eagles on the back of a thoroughly professional first half performance have comfortably defeated the Penrith Panthers 30-10 at a cold Brookvale Oval infront of a crowd of 7,862, in the process setting up a mouth watering match up next week against the Melbourne Storm.
The Panthers were hit with a massive blow before the match with star backrower Frank Pritchard ruled out with an on-going shoulder injury. The Sea Eagles significantly dominated possession early in the match making considerable metres, as the Panthers’ tackle count mounted. A combination of poor discipline and flimsy ruck defence allowed the Eagles to get on top early.
There was a familiar procession where a Manly penalty was followed routinely by a brilliant team try. The Panthers were clearly struggling around the rucks as the Manly side displaying their efficient demeanor began to cut sizeable holes in the Penrith defence.
Glenn Hall was first on the score sheet after Luke Lewis spilt a relatively easy catch off a Matt Orford kick giving Hall a rare try. This was followed by a try to Steven Bell who benefited by some crafty work by Manly’s high performing backrower Glenn Stewart. Stewart is clearly stepping out of the shadow of his younger brother Brett and is fast becoming one of the premier backrowers in the competition.
Manly on the back of their competition leading offloading ability, managed to score the next try through David Williams. A terrific flick pass by Menzies found unmarked winger Williams to set up the commanding 18-0 lead. After Balling was ruled to be held up, the Eagles scored soon after through speedsters Brett Stewart and Robertson combining.
It took thirty-three minutes before the Panthers were allowed to finally mount some pressure of their own. After gaining a repeat set of six, the Panthers were eventually rewarded with a try to Jennings on the stroke of half time after a long break by fullback Wesser.
The Panthers knew they had to be the first to score in the second half. However, their early pressure did not yield the Mountain men their much needed points. A try to prolific try scorer Steve Menzies finished off the Panthers who have some great difficulty winning at Brookvale Oval.
Manly’s Brett Stewart also got his customary try which was then followed by a consolation try to Penrith’s Nathan Smith as the match slowed pace in the latter stages.
All eyes next week will be on the showdown at Brookvale Oval as the Eagles will host the Melbourne Storm for a battle for the Minor premiership. For the Panthers who potentially slip outside of the eight, an away trip to the inform Canberra Raiders awaits.
Match Details
Manly Sea Eagles 30 def Penrith Panthers 10
Round 21 - Friday August 1st, 2008 7:35pm
Venue: Brookvale Oval
Referee: Shayne Hayne
Touch Judges: Chris James, Russell Turner
Video Referee: Steve Clark
Half time: Sea Eagles 22 Panthers 6
Crowd: 7,862
Manly Sea Eagles (30)
Tries: Glenn Hall, Steven Bell, David Williams, Michael Robertson, Steve Menzies, Brett Stewart
Goals: Steve Matai (3/5), David Williams (0/1)
Penrith Panthers (10)
Tries: Michael Jennings, Nathan Smith
Goals: Michael Gordon (1/2)
LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match
3 Points: Glenn Stewart (Sea Eagles)
2 Points: Steve Menzies (Sea Eagles)
1 Point: Wade Graham (Panthers)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For some audio reports try:
http://blogs.abc.net.au/grandstand/2008/08/sea-eagles-crui.html?site=rugby_league#more
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer:
http://sportal.com.au/League-news-display/manly-dismantles-penrith-53617
Manly dismantles Penrith
1/08/2008 9:27:20 PM
Scott Brooks
Sportal
The table-topping Manly Sea Eagles have returned to the winners' list with a comprehensive 30-10 carve-up of finals contender Penrith at Brookvale Oval on Friday night.
Manly took full toll of its 60 percent first-half possession share to cruise out to a comfortable 22-6 lead at the break before adding a further two second-half tries to atone for last week's defeat by the Roosters which snapped an impressive seven-match winning streak.
The Stewart brothers, Brett and Glenn, were dominant all night, as was veteran Steve Menzies, who mirrored some of the masterful efforts of former partner-in-crime Cliff Lyons with some skilful ball work in the No.6 jersey.
The outright competition leaders now turn their attention to next Friday night's mouth-watering grand final rematch with the Storm.
Despite starting the round in seventh position, the Panthers could well find themselves out of the top-eight by Sunday evening with a cluster of teams just one-point below them on the ladder.
The Sea Eagles were gifted the opening four-pointer when a Matt Orford kick in the direction of the posts was uncharacteristically spilt by Penrith half-back Luke Lewis for second-rower Glenn Hall to collect the easiest of tries in the fifth minute.
Manly centre Steve Matai converted from a slight angle to give the hosts a 6-0 lead.
That lead was doubled almost 10 minutes later when a clever Glenn Stewart short ball resulted in slippery centre Steve Bell stretching over for a converted try.
Menzies turned back the clock in the 18th minute, producing a sensational one-arm flick pass to put winger David Williams over for a converted try, giving the hosts an 18-0 lead.
The procession continued in the 26th minute when some brilliant lead-up work from a scrum by full-back Brett Stewart provided winger Michael Robertson with a 70m uninterrupted passage to the line.
Matai was astray with the conversion, leaving Manly 22-0 in front.
But the Panthers did provide their fans with some hope seconds before the break when full-back Rhys Wesser split the Manly defence from a scrum to race 50m before being reeled in by Williams and Brett Stewart. From the ensuing play-the-ball, Kangaroo World Cup squad member Michael Jennings cruised through the retreating defence for a converted try.
The Sea Eagles jumped out to a 26-6 lead in the 52nd minute when a superb Orford short ball put Menzies over.
Brett Stewart displayed his magnificent skills on the hour to tap an Orford grubber forward for the Sea Eagles' sixth and final try of the evening.
A dubious 70th minute consolation try to Panthers lock Nathan Smith completed the scoring.
Manly Sea Eagles 30
Tries: Hall, Bell, Williams, Robertson, Menzies, B. Stewart
Conversions: Matai 3
Penrith Panthers 10
Tries: Jennings, Smith
Conversions: Gordon
Sportal's NRL Player of the Year:
3 - Steve Menzies (Sea Eagles)
2 - Glenn Stewart (Sea Eagles)
1 - Brett Stewart (Sea Eagles)
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411749/1973792
Manly solidify top spot with big win
Aug 2, 2008
Manly continued their charge towards the NRL minor premiership with a convincing 30-10 win over Penrith at Brookvale Oval on Friday night.
The Sea Eagles bounced back from last week's heavy loss to the Sydney Roosters to maintain a two-point lead atop the competition table five rounds out from the finals.
Veteran back-rower Steve Menzies, in his 340th first-grade game, was outstanding for the Sea Eagles, scoring one try, setting up another and proving a constant menace for the Panthers' defence.
Glenn Hall, Steve Bell, David Williams, Michael Robertson and Brett Stewart also scored while Penrith's tries went to centre Michael Jennings and lock Nathan Smith.
The win was a vital one for Manly, with Melbourne's convincing win over the Gold Coast on Friday keeping the pressure on at the top of the competition ahead of the grand-final rematch between the two sides next Friday.
Penrith, who had back-rower Frank Pritchard ruled out with a shoulder injury just before kick-off, were let down by ill-discipline and poor decision making in an error-riddled performance.
They remain in seventh but will drop out of the top eight if Canberra and the New Zealand Warriors win their matches this weekend.
When Jennings stepped his way over on the back of Rhys Wesser break just before halftime to make it 22-6 at the break, it gave the Panthers some hope of a miraculous comeback.
But any hopes were ended in the 51st minute when Menzies busted a tackle and powered his way to the line for his 172nd career try.
Panthers halfback Luke Lewis and Sea Eagles centre Steve Matai were forced from the field in the 56th minute after a sickening head clash, before Brett Stewart further extended the lead two minutes later.
The fullback showed great skills to tap a Matt Orford grubber over the head of Panthers winger Michael Gordon, before regathering it to score his 13th try of the season.
Penrith grabbed a late consolation try to Smith before being denied another, which would have been a stunner to hooker Masada Iosefa, by the video referee.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer:
http://www.nrl.com.au/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=52240
Sea Eagles cruise to win over Panthers
By Liam Fitzgibbon
AAP
Manly have continued their charge towards the NRL minor premiership with a convincing 30-10 win over Penrith at Brookvale Oval.
The Sea Eagles bounced back from last week's heavy loss to the Sydney Roosters to maintain a two-point lead atop the competition table five rounds out from the finals.
Veteran back-rower Steve Menzies, in his 340th first-grade game, was outstanding for the Sea Eagles, scoring one try, setting up another and proving a constant menace for the Panthers' defence.
Glenn Hall, Steve Bell, David Williams, Michael Robertson and Brett Stewart also scored while Penrith's tries went to centre Michael Jennings and lock Nathan Smith.
The win was a vital one for Manly, with Melbourne's convincing win over the Gold Coast keeping the pressure on at the top of the competition ahead of the grand-final rematch between the two sides next Friday.
Penrith, who had back-rower Frank Pritchard ruled out with a shoulder injury just before kick-off, were let down by ill-discipline and poor decision making in an error-riddled performance.
They remain in seventh but will drop out of the top eight if Canberra and the New Zealand Warriors win their matches this weekend.
When Jennings stepped his way over on the back of Rhys Wesser break just before halftime to make it 22-6 at the break, it gave the Panthers some hope of a miraculous comeback.
But any hopes were ended in the 51st minute when Menzies busted a tackle and powered his way to the line for his 172nd career try.
Panthers halfback Luke Lewis and Sea Eagles centre Steve Matai were forced from the field in the 56th minute after a sickening head clash, before Brett Stewart further extended the lead two minutes later.
The fullback showed great skills to tap a Matt Orford grubber over the head of Panthers winger Michael Gordon, before regathering it to score his 13th try of the season.
Penrith grabbed a late consolation try to Smith before being denied another, which would have been a stunner to hooker Masada Iosefa, by the video referee.
Manly coach Des Hasler was pleased with the performance but said an improvement was needed in next week's top-of-the-table clash with the Storm.
"I thought we started really well and controlled all the things we needed to," Hasler said.
"We were probably guilty of taking our foot off the pedal a little bit which was disappointing.
"They (Melbourne) are a very good side and they're just trying to hit their straps after Origin and I still maintain they are the benchmark.
"We just probably need to improve in a few areas."
Orford looked to be struggling at times with a groin injury that has plagued him in recent weeks and was given an early mark by Hasler, but said it was a manageable problem.
Panthers coach Matthew Elliott said his side was simply outplayed but knew the performance wasn't a true indication of where his team was at.
"We played a very good football team today," Elliott said.
"I guess the positive is we were a long way off our best footy, I thought that was pretty obvious to see ... we're a far more capable team than that."
Elliott said it was too early to tell if Lewis would miss Saturday's clash with the Bulldogs but described him as "an unhealthy boy."
"He's in a bad way, it's a really, really nasty cut ... down to the skull," Elliott said.
Matai returned to the field late in the game after suffering a minor cut in the head clash.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer:
http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=16723
Clinical Eagles Look Forward to the Storm
Written by: Vlado Mazevski
August 1st, 2008 10:01pm
The Manly Sea Eagles on the back of a thoroughly professional first half performance have comfortably defeated the Penrith Panthers 30-10 at a cold Brookvale Oval infront of a crowd of 7,862, in the process setting up a mouth watering match up next week against the Melbourne Storm.
The Panthers were hit with a massive blow before the match with star backrower Frank Pritchard ruled out with an on-going shoulder injury. The Sea Eagles significantly dominated possession early in the match making considerable metres, as the Panthers’ tackle count mounted. A combination of poor discipline and flimsy ruck defence allowed the Eagles to get on top early.
There was a familiar procession where a Manly penalty was followed routinely by a brilliant team try. The Panthers were clearly struggling around the rucks as the Manly side displaying their efficient demeanor began to cut sizeable holes in the Penrith defence.
Glenn Hall was first on the score sheet after Luke Lewis spilt a relatively easy catch off a Matt Orford kick giving Hall a rare try. This was followed by a try to Steven Bell who benefited by some crafty work by Manly’s high performing backrower Glenn Stewart. Stewart is clearly stepping out of the shadow of his younger brother Brett and is fast becoming one of the premier backrowers in the competition.
Manly on the back of their competition leading offloading ability, managed to score the next try through David Williams. A terrific flick pass by Menzies found unmarked winger Williams to set up the commanding 18-0 lead. After Balling was ruled to be held up, the Eagles scored soon after through speedsters Brett Stewart and Robertson combining.
It took thirty-three minutes before the Panthers were allowed to finally mount some pressure of their own. After gaining a repeat set of six, the Panthers were eventually rewarded with a try to Jennings on the stroke of half time after a long break by fullback Wesser.
The Panthers knew they had to be the first to score in the second half. However, their early pressure did not yield the Mountain men their much needed points. A try to prolific try scorer Steve Menzies finished off the Panthers who have some great difficulty winning at Brookvale Oval.
Manly’s Brett Stewart also got his customary try which was then followed by a consolation try to Penrith’s Nathan Smith as the match slowed pace in the latter stages.
All eyes next week will be on the showdown at Brookvale Oval as the Eagles will host the Melbourne Storm for a battle for the Minor premiership. For the Panthers who potentially slip outside of the eight, an away trip to the inform Canberra Raiders awaits.
Match Details
Manly Sea Eagles 30 def Penrith Panthers 10
Round 21 - Friday August 1st, 2008 7:35pm
Venue: Brookvale Oval
Referee: Shayne Hayne
Touch Judges: Chris James, Russell Turner
Video Referee: Steve Clark
Half time: Sea Eagles 22 Panthers 6
Crowd: 7,862
Manly Sea Eagles (30)
Tries: Glenn Hall, Steven Bell, David Williams, Michael Robertson, Steve Menzies, Brett Stewart
Goals: Steve Matai (3/5), David Williams (0/1)
Penrith Panthers (10)
Tries: Michael Jennings, Nathan Smith
Goals: Michael Gordon (1/2)
LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match
3 Points: Glenn Stewart (Sea Eagles)
2 Points: Steve Menzies (Sea Eagles)
1 Point: Wade Graham (Panthers)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For some audio reports try:
http://blogs.abc.net.au/grandstand/2008/08/sea-eagles-crui.html?site=rugby_league#more
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refer:
http://sportal.com.au/League-news-display/manly-dismantles-penrith-53617
Manly dismantles Penrith
1/08/2008 9:27:20 PM
Scott Brooks
Sportal
The table-topping Manly Sea Eagles have returned to the winners' list with a comprehensive 30-10 carve-up of finals contender Penrith at Brookvale Oval on Friday night.
Manly took full toll of its 60 percent first-half possession share to cruise out to a comfortable 22-6 lead at the break before adding a further two second-half tries to atone for last week's defeat by the Roosters which snapped an impressive seven-match winning streak.
The Stewart brothers, Brett and Glenn, were dominant all night, as was veteran Steve Menzies, who mirrored some of the masterful efforts of former partner-in-crime Cliff Lyons with some skilful ball work in the No.6 jersey.
The outright competition leaders now turn their attention to next Friday night's mouth-watering grand final rematch with the Storm.
Despite starting the round in seventh position, the Panthers could well find themselves out of the top-eight by Sunday evening with a cluster of teams just one-point below them on the ladder.
The Sea Eagles were gifted the opening four-pointer when a Matt Orford kick in the direction of the posts was uncharacteristically spilt by Penrith half-back Luke Lewis for second-rower Glenn Hall to collect the easiest of tries in the fifth minute.
Manly centre Steve Matai converted from a slight angle to give the hosts a 6-0 lead.
That lead was doubled almost 10 minutes later when a clever Glenn Stewart short ball resulted in slippery centre Steve Bell stretching over for a converted try.
Menzies turned back the clock in the 18th minute, producing a sensational one-arm flick pass to put winger David Williams over for a converted try, giving the hosts an 18-0 lead.
The procession continued in the 26th minute when some brilliant lead-up work from a scrum by full-back Brett Stewart provided winger Michael Robertson with a 70m uninterrupted passage to the line.
Matai was astray with the conversion, leaving Manly 22-0 in front.
But the Panthers did provide their fans with some hope seconds before the break when full-back Rhys Wesser split the Manly defence from a scrum to race 50m before being reeled in by Williams and Brett Stewart. From the ensuing play-the-ball, Kangaroo World Cup squad member Michael Jennings cruised through the retreating defence for a converted try.
The Sea Eagles jumped out to a 26-6 lead in the 52nd minute when a superb Orford short ball put Menzies over.
Brett Stewart displayed his magnificent skills on the hour to tap an Orford grubber forward for the Sea Eagles' sixth and final try of the evening.
A dubious 70th minute consolation try to Panthers lock Nathan Smith completed the scoring.
Manly Sea Eagles 30
Tries: Hall, Bell, Williams, Robertson, Menzies, B. Stewart
Conversions: Matai 3
Penrith Panthers 10
Tries: Jennings, Smith
Conversions: Gordon
Sportal's NRL Player of the Year:
3 - Steve Menzies (Sea Eagles)
2 - Glenn Stewart (Sea Eagles)
1 - Brett Stewart (Sea Eagles)
