1981 1982 1983 1986 
Post by Electric Eel on May 15, 2020 18:24:53 GMT 10
Round 11, 1984: Parramatta 19 d Manly 8
By Neil Cadigan
Rugby League Week
May 17, 1984
There was courage, emotion, excitement and discipline in one of Parramatta's classic victories of their golden era against Manly at Belmore last Sunday.
The Eels comprehensively shut the Sea Eagles out of the contest in the first half to show again that they have too much discipline and desire in big clashes between the two.
Manly just did not look interested in lifting their effort until the second half. But even with the patched-up Eels wearying noticeably, it was too late.
Parramatta winger Neil Hunt, an unfair omission from the Sydney sides after a blinder, summed up the Eels feelings. "I could play against Manly every week, they bring out the best in us," he said.
It should have been the Sea Eagles who were more hyped up for victory. They've been waiting to seek revenge for the past two grand final defeats.
But other than a little aggression in the first 10 minutes, most of the Eagle big names trotted around waiting for the next man to change the trend of the game.
Forwards continually lingered in the backs, runners hit the line with no one trailling and they missed 16 tackles in the first half.
By that time the Eels, superbly directed by an off-color Peter Sterling, led 10-0 - a score that flattered their opponents despite Parramatta's glut of possession.
Manly came back to 12-8, thanks to the tireless Glenn Ryan - the only unfashionable member of the Manly pack - but the Eels again lifted themselves for a second effort.
"A gutsy team effort," was coach John Monie's postmatch understatement.
"Every player did his job in that first half and when they had a run of possession in the second half, our guys showed guts and discipline."
But some of the tales that unfolded after the match added even more merit to the performance.
There as special guests were former Eel greats like Arthur Beetson and Ron Lynch who earlier attended a special auction to raise funds at the leagues club.
They watched Sterling, in bed with a virus the day before, mastermind the attack with deft changes of direction and smart kicks.
They saw Ray Price, his shoulder badly bruised, throw himself into the game. The great international was rewarded with a try six minutes from the end when his arm was virtually limp and he was in agony after a painkiller wore off.
They watched hooker Michael Moseley, a former third grade back-rower thrown into the fray a fortnight ago because of injuries to Steve Edge, Stan Jurd and Steve Sharp, put in a non-stop effort in attack and defence, outplaying international Ray Brown.
And the Eels' brilliant backline gave them plenty of great entertainment, putting together some passing rushes that somehow did not lead to more tries.
To Manly's credit, they struck back. With more possession they started to penetrate, and the Eels missed 24 second-half tackles.
But big games aren't won in the final 20 minutes especially when there is a lack of commitment in the first 20. Phil Blake and Noel Cleal, rarely sighted in the first half, sprung into action. And so did burly centre Chris Close.
Ryan picked up Manly's first try and threw the final pass for the other, fitting reward for another determined effort.
Another who could hold his head high was halfback Des Hasler. He stopped several potential tries with his covering tackles and probed away close to the rucks when the few gaps appeared.
By Neil Cadigan
Rugby League Week
May 17, 1984
There was courage, emotion, excitement and discipline in one of Parramatta's classic victories of their golden era against Manly at Belmore last Sunday.
The Eels comprehensively shut the Sea Eagles out of the contest in the first half to show again that they have too much discipline and desire in big clashes between the two.
Manly just did not look interested in lifting their effort until the second half. But even with the patched-up Eels wearying noticeably, it was too late.
Parramatta winger Neil Hunt, an unfair omission from the Sydney sides after a blinder, summed up the Eels feelings. "I could play against Manly every week, they bring out the best in us," he said.
It should have been the Sea Eagles who were more hyped up for victory. They've been waiting to seek revenge for the past two grand final defeats.
But other than a little aggression in the first 10 minutes, most of the Eagle big names trotted around waiting for the next man to change the trend of the game.
Forwards continually lingered in the backs, runners hit the line with no one trailling and they missed 16 tackles in the first half.
By that time the Eels, superbly directed by an off-color Peter Sterling, led 10-0 - a score that flattered their opponents despite Parramatta's glut of possession.
Manly came back to 12-8, thanks to the tireless Glenn Ryan - the only unfashionable member of the Manly pack - but the Eels again lifted themselves for a second effort.
"A gutsy team effort," was coach John Monie's postmatch understatement.
"Every player did his job in that first half and when they had a run of possession in the second half, our guys showed guts and discipline."
But some of the tales that unfolded after the match added even more merit to the performance.
There as special guests were former Eel greats like Arthur Beetson and Ron Lynch who earlier attended a special auction to raise funds at the leagues club.
They watched Sterling, in bed with a virus the day before, mastermind the attack with deft changes of direction and smart kicks.
They saw Ray Price, his shoulder badly bruised, throw himself into the game. The great international was rewarded with a try six minutes from the end when his arm was virtually limp and he was in agony after a painkiller wore off.
They watched hooker Michael Moseley, a former third grade back-rower thrown into the fray a fortnight ago because of injuries to Steve Edge, Stan Jurd and Steve Sharp, put in a non-stop effort in attack and defence, outplaying international Ray Brown.
And the Eels' brilliant backline gave them plenty of great entertainment, putting together some passing rushes that somehow did not lead to more tries.
To Manly's credit, they struck back. With more possession they started to penetrate, and the Eels missed 24 second-half tackles.
But big games aren't won in the final 20 minutes especially when there is a lack of commitment in the first 20. Phil Blake and Noel Cleal, rarely sighted in the first half, sprung into action. And so did burly centre Chris Close.
Ryan picked up Manly's first try and threw the final pass for the other, fitting reward for another determined effort.
Another who could hold his head high was halfback Des Hasler. He stopped several potential tries with his covering tackles and probed away close to the rucks when the few gaps appeared.
