Adam Bailey
DeanoHarmoSea Eagles Soar in Grand Final
October 6th 2008 13:15
Category: No Category
The opening encounters were one of the highlights of the game. Although Michael Crocker proved to be full of hot air and no action, his team mates lifted and the first 20 minutes looked as though the game was going to be one of the greats.
It was like watching two heavy weight boxers throw punch for punch when Manly's Matt Ballin drew the first blow by charging over in the 24th minute. The young hooker sold a dummy down the short side and crossed the line to give the Sea Eagles a 4 – 0 lead. Ten minutes later Michael Robertson found the try line to give Manly an eight point buffer going in to the break.
At half time the game was still up for grabs until Matt Orford showed why he is the Dally M player of the year. His sweetly hit grubber gave Robertson his second and a Steve Matai conversion stretched the margin to fourteen points.
In true Manly style, the boys from the Peninsula had stalked their prey and were now ready to inflict pain on their opposition. The landslide started with Robertson completing his hat-trick with a well worked back line move and was continued when Brent Kite was on the end of some creative team play to bust through the line in what was the try of the day.
After David ' The Wolfman' Williams crossed for a try in the corner, the wish all rugby league fans wanted to see came true, the Beaver got over for his 180th try in his final NRL game. Displaying his classy running and handling ability, Menzies dove over the line to bring 80 000 fans to their feet.
To complete the day of farewells, Steven Bell crossed with five minutes to go after some Brett Stewart magic and after 80 minutes of almost perfect football the Manly Sea Eagles were 2008 Premiers with a score of 40 – 0.
As only a few of the greats have done before him, Beaver Menzies leaves the NRL a winner and and a true legend of the game. A hole the size of the Peninsula will be left by his absence, not only in the team but for the Manly fan base as well. Who will step up? Who will fill the void? I don't know but I am sure Coach Des Hasler has something up his sleeve to ensure that Manly are able to defend their title next season.
Adam Bailey
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