Major Semi, 1976: Parramatta 23 Manly 17

1976 Major Semi Final: Parramatta 23 d Manly 17

Big League Magazine
11th - 17th September, 1976

Sea-Eagles Panic and Peard Strikes

Parramatta 23 Manly 17

Parramatta assumed the role they like best - as underdogs - and walked straight into the grand final after beating Manly 23-17 at the SCG last Saturday.
The Sea Eagles let themselves down badly, conceding unnecessary penalties and in the end succumbing to the overriding strength of Parramatta.
In a whirlwind start, Parramatta suprised everyone by leading 10-0. They threw the ball around and were playing the slick Manly side at their own game.
But with Bobby Fulton to the rescue, Manly fought back brilliantly and by 13 minutes into the second half led 15-10.
Fulton scored in the first half for Manly to trail 10-8 at the break and then scored the first try of the second half.
Manly grabbed what looked like a winning 17-12 lead midway through the second half.
But Parramatta began to dig their toes in. They worked play downfield.
Each time they came close to Manly's line, the Manly players panicked and gave away penalties.
Peard did the rest and by the 75th minute he had kicked Parramatta to an 18-17 lead.
Then came Peard again. A high up and under, a fumble by Tom Mooney and replacement centre Graeme Atkins scored.
Parramatta were into the grand final and Manly were left to the final against Canterbury.

Scrums: Manly 12-8
Penalties: Parramatta 12-7.