In a ruthless performance at Ocean Protect Stadium the Sea Eagles have scored a 28-18 win over the sixth placed Sharks in their round 13 Jersey Flegg clash.
In registering only their second win of the season, a four-try performance from winger Pharell Gray wasn't enough to turn the game in the favour of a disappointing Sharks team.
Manly were on top early, the home side struggled to complete sets and control the ball, with the visitors going on with the job in taking home the two competition points.
Capitalising on an error, Manly scored the first points of the evening, hooker Zaidas Muagututia, crashing his way over and when William Herbert added the extras, the Sea Eagles would lead 6-0 after nine minutes.
Hitting back soon after, the Sharks the shifted the ball to the wing of Pharrell Gray, who was able to slide over beside the corner post and when centre Nikora Williams was unable to convert from wide out, the Cronulla side trailed by two points.
After having only one win so far this season, it was evident the Sea Eagles were eager, and their high-flying bombs and relentless kick pressure set them up for their second try in the north eastern corner, awarded to five eighth, Charlie Boyle, converted by Herbert, stretched their lead out to eight.
Manly were in again through second-rower Beau Mckee who crashed through with 15 minutes remaining, before a from dummy half by Muagututia saw Sebastian Piukala snatch another four pointer for the maroon and white and the visitors now lead 24-4.
Giving Cronulla a glimpse of hope shortly before half-time, off the back of a scrum, centre Prestyn- Laine Sietu found space and spread the ball once more to Gray, who dove in for his second, with the teams going to half time with the Sea Eagles up 24-8
following the break errors continued to cost the home side and grasping their opportunity Manly worked again their way downfield and it was Herbert slicing through for another Sea Eagles try to make it 28-8.
Showing some late pride, Gray notched his hat trick of tries, Bryce Sait adding the extras, before a striking 30 metre run, and two tackle busts saw Gray get his fourth, however it wasn’t enough to get the job done with the Sharks suffering a disappointing loss.
Next up for the Flegg Sharks is a clash with the first placed Dragons next Sunday afternoon at Ocean Protect Stadium.
