1981 1982 1983 1986 
Post by Electric Eel on Aug 15, 2020 13:40:40 GMT 10
11th July 1976
In the greatest moment in the history of the club, Parramatta downed Manly at Brookvale on Sunday to move to the top of the table.
However, winning wasn't the only thing. They had to prove that they could beat Manly, no matter where they played them and more especially on Manly's home ground, where the Eels had not won a major match in the past 10 years.
From the beginning of this torrid encounter, it was obvious that neither side had any thoughts of losing, and the one who made the least mistakes and made their own luck, was going to be the winner.
Parramatta's first stroke of good fortune came when Phil Mann strode like a colossus into the three quarter line and delicately chipped a short kick over the Manly defence.
In a desperate scramble, the ball bounced clear of two Manly players and Mann was able to snatch a dramatic try.
Manly, like the true champions they are, immediately hit back and after subjecting Parramatta to unmerciful pressure, scored when Russell Gartner, after receiving from Alan Thompson, split the defence with blistering pace.
Parramatta then showed why this side is the greatest to ever wear the Eels' blue and gold.
In the next 35 minutes, they not only kept Manly pointless, but they were able to score nine points.
Perhaps Lady Luck was again kind to them when Manly dropped the ball over their own line from one of John Peard's aerial torpedoes and Neville Glover was on hand to touch down.
Now in front and with their fanatical supporters screaming for victory, the Eels showed that they are worthy to lead the competition.
Forcing Manly on the defensive with clever line kicks they held out until the finish and the final siren was music to their ears.
It was a magnificent game of football. Perhaps a draw would have been a just result, but each had their own chances to win, with John Peard's goal kicking being the final deciding factor.
Parramatta 14 (P.Mann, N.Glover tries, J.Peard 4 goals) defeated Manly 10 (G.Eadie, R.Gartner tries, G.Eadie 2 goals). Referee: D.MacDonald. Crowd: 23,211.
Ray Higgs (left) and John Quayle
In the greatest moment in the history of the club, Parramatta downed Manly at Brookvale on Sunday to move to the top of the table.
However, winning wasn't the only thing. They had to prove that they could beat Manly, no matter where they played them and more especially on Manly's home ground, where the Eels had not won a major match in the past 10 years.
From the beginning of this torrid encounter, it was obvious that neither side had any thoughts of losing, and the one who made the least mistakes and made their own luck, was going to be the winner.
Parramatta's first stroke of good fortune came when Phil Mann strode like a colossus into the three quarter line and delicately chipped a short kick over the Manly defence.
In a desperate scramble, the ball bounced clear of two Manly players and Mann was able to snatch a dramatic try.
Manly, like the true champions they are, immediately hit back and after subjecting Parramatta to unmerciful pressure, scored when Russell Gartner, after receiving from Alan Thompson, split the defence with blistering pace.
Parramatta then showed why this side is the greatest to ever wear the Eels' blue and gold.
In the next 35 minutes, they not only kept Manly pointless, but they were able to score nine points.
Perhaps Lady Luck was again kind to them when Manly dropped the ball over their own line from one of John Peard's aerial torpedoes and Neville Glover was on hand to touch down.
Now in front and with their fanatical supporters screaming for victory, the Eels showed that they are worthy to lead the competition.
Forcing Manly on the defensive with clever line kicks they held out until the finish and the final siren was music to their ears.
It was a magnificent game of football. Perhaps a draw would have been a just result, but each had their own chances to win, with John Peard's goal kicking being the final deciding factor.
Parramatta 14 (P.Mann, N.Glover tries, J.Peard 4 goals) defeated Manly 10 (G.Eadie, R.Gartner tries, G.Eadie 2 goals). Referee: D.MacDonald. Crowd: 23,211.
Ray Higgs (left) and John Quayle
