Wests Tigers’ NYC side have bounced back from a tough loss in New Zealand last week with a comprehensive 36-16 victory over Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
Marion Seve and Nathan Milone were the chief-destroyers on the day again — dominating their respective opponents to both score and set up tries — while Mitchell Moses again impressed in the No. 7 jersey.
The hosts crossed first through Milone on the left edge, who ran a strong line close to the line to crash over close to the wing after six minutes. Moses nailed the conversion to extend the lead to 6-0.
Some sloppy handling from both teams saw that score remain the same for a while, before Gosling hit back for Manly-Warringah in the left corner — finishing off a strong move from right to left involving several sets of hands.
Milone grabbed his second of the day soon after to extend the lead once more, pouncing on a deft grubber close to the posts. Moses nailed the sideline conversion in the rain to give the hosts a 12-4 lead after 23 minutes.
Seve crossed for his first of the day in the 28th minute after getting on the outside of his man and simply powering his way over. However, that try was cancelled out by Feiloakitu, who barged over just before the half-time break to reduce the gap to just six points heading into the main change.
The hosts soon extended their lead shortly after resuming for the second half when Manaia Cherrington was given too much space close to the posts.
Moses pushed the lead to two converted tries with an easy conversion.
The halfback followed that with the match’s first 40/20 kick — giving Wests Tigers pefect field position to launch another attack.
This time it came down the right hand side, and after Seve managed to get an offload away despite serious attention from the defence, Tom Satterthwaite crossed for his first try of the day in the right corner.
Moses’ conversion again hit the post and stayed out, leaving the score at 26-10.
Moses’ next moment of handiwork came in the 60th minute when his strong handling allowed Milone to get on the outside of his man. From there, the powerful centre stormed his way to the line from 15 out — extending the Wests Tigers’ lead to what would surely be a match-winning 20 points.
Nicholas Lynn crossed for the Sea Eagles with just over 10 minutes remaining to reduce the gap to 30-16 but it was all in vain for the visitors.
John Ogden grabbed a try in the final minute to push the lead back out to 20 points after Moses’ sideline conversion saw both flags raised.
The final score: Wests Tigers 36 def. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 16.
