Melbourne hang on for bizarre 30-26 win over Manly at Lottoland

IN one of the strangest matches of the season, Melbourne have hung on for a 30-26 win over Manly at Lottoland.

Storm's Susliasi Vunivalu celebrates scoring his try with team matesduring the round 7 NRL game between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Melbourne Storm at Lottoland, Brookvale. Picture: Gregg Porteous

BROOKVALE Oval has been renamed Lottoland, but Manly haven’t found much luck at their once-feared home lately.

The Sea Eagles have lost consecutive matches at Brookvale and have racked up just four wins at their one-time fortress in the past 15 months.

Thanks to a scintillating double from winger Suliasi Vunivalu, a far from perfect Melbourne side held on for a 30-26 victory over the Sea ­Eagles.

The Sea Eagles deserve some praise for refusing to give up despite trailing 18-0 after as many minutes.

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They also trailed 30-16 at halftime, before scoring two second-half tries to get within four points.

In a week when the club celebrated 70 years since its first premiership match, it was only fitting Manly delivered the type of fight to make their forefathers proud.

Skipper Daly Cherry-Evans was particularly inspirational, shrugging off a shoulder injury in the first half to bravely play on.

It was Melbourne, though, who held on to claim an unconvincing win in a remarkable match where 11 tries were scored.

Manly coach Trent Barrett was happy with his team’s resolve, but disappointed with their slow start.

Manly fought back after a tough start.

“We were a bit deer in the headlights to be honest,” Barrett said.

“We got found out with our edge defence pretty early on in the game.

“I’m always proud how they don’t give up, but unfortunately effort alone doesn’t win you games against the competition leaders.

“The first 20 minutes really cost us. I was really happy with the way they came out and won the second half.

“There were still some moments in the second half where we could have executed better, but we’ve got to work hard again this week and fix up a few of those errors so we aren’t chasing our tails.

“We have a good enough side to beat those teams if we are doing everything right.”

Cherry-Evans was equally disappointed with the loss despite his team’s impressive fightback.

“I can’t remember too many Manly, Storm games that have reflected a 20s score line,” he said.

“It’s definitely not a physical flatless within the side. We are preparing very well, I think it’s just a matter of us making errors and letting our opposition get off to an early start.

“There is not too much in it. I don’t think we have to look too far. It’s our fault and we need to change it. I’m sure we can.”

Manly’s loss, which drops them outside the top eight, was compounded by a sternum injury to replacement forward Lloyd Perrett.

The former Bulldog was taken to hospital for further treatment.

Vunivalu scored a brilliant double.

Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith was filthy with his team’s uncharacteristic defensive display.

“It was a fairly frustrating game to play in,” Smith said.

“It was great to get a victory. We haven’t been beaten on the road so far, so that’s a positive.

“But it’s like we can’t put an entire game together at the moment.

“That’s the best 40 minutes of football that this club has played in a long time.

“You know, scoring 30 points. We haven’t done that for a long time.

Melbourne did not score a point in the second half.

“But I was really angry at halftime to allow three tries in.

“They were just soft tries as well.

“At the end of the day we got the win, but we can’t continue to play like that.

“That’s just very inconsistent rugby league and if we play inconsistent football throughout the year, then it will come back to bite you at the end of the year when it matters.”

For all their frustration, Melbourne still collected to the competition points.

Vunivalu continued his rich vein of form at Brookvale with two tries and a try assist.

The Fijian flyer clearly likes playing against Manly. The last time he played the Sea Eagles in round 24 last season he scored four tries in the first half.

Underrated back-rower Felise Kaufusi also contributed heavily with two tries for the Storm.

Smith was at his composed best in the big moments, while fullback Billy Slater came up with three try assists and looked dangerous every time he touched the football.

Originally published as Melbourne hang on for bizarre 30-26 win over Manly at Lottoland