By Kim Peterson
Manly recorded their second win of the season after they defeated the Newtown Jets 18-16 before 1200 spectators at Henson Park.
With the Newtown Jets also having won just one game this season, both sides were desperate to win the match and stay in touch with the bottom half of the top eight.
In a close encounter, it was locked at nil-all until the 26th minute when a charge down resulted in a 90-metre try to Manly through Michael Chee Kam. Mania Rudolph added the extras to give the Sea Eagles a 6-0 advantage, a scoreline they would take into the half-time break.
The Newtown Jets levelled up just five minutes into the second half when they moved the ball wide left and centre Josh Davis crossed in the corner. Half-back Arana Taumata added the touchline conversion to square up proceedings at 6-all.
Manly re-claimed the lead after 54 minutes when they made the Jets pay for their handling error as Todd Wilson raced over. Rudolph had no trouble with the goal to make it 12-6.
A Josh Davis tackle forced Manly into touch and that allowed Newtown to go on the attack with Taumata running the ball on the last tackle and managing to get over in the corner. His attempt at goal hit the posts, leaving the Sea Eagles with a two point lead.
Another Newtown handling error saw Manly score through winger Charlie Taylor. Rudolph kicked a magnificent sideline conversion to make it 18-10.
On the back of a penalty, the Jets took a tap and after a 40 metre run, Taumata scored. Sio Siua Taukeiaho converted to make it 18-16 but time beat the Newtown side in the end.
The Jets are at home again this Saturday when they host the Bears in a must win clash while Manly return to Brooky to face the Tigers.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 18 (T Wilson, C Taylor, M Chee Kam tries; M Rudolph 3 goals) def. Newtown Jets 16 (A Taumata 2, J Davis tries; S Taukeiaho, A Taumata goals) at Henson Park.
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