News - May 1996
27 May 1996: Manly hit form
In probably their most convincing performance this
year, Manly trounced the Sydney Bulldogs, the defending
premiers, 24-4 at Brookvale Oval on Friday night.
The undoubted star was returning fullback Matthew
Ridge, who set up three tries and kicked four from
five. Also to shine were Mark Carroll, Craig Innes
and Steve Menzies. Meanwhile, Geoff Toovey and Steven
Menzies have retained their NSW spots for Origin II.
Manly's next game will be at Brookvale against
Canberra, on June 9.
22 May 1996: Ridge in team
Fullback Matthew Ridge returned to training this week at
Brookvale, and has been named in first grade for Friday's
match against the Bulldogs. Jack Elsegood and Shannon
Nevin have both been dropped to reserve grade, while John
Hopoate has been moved to the wing.
21 May 1996: The mighty Blues!
Geoff Toovey was man-of-the-match as NSW
triumphed 14-6 in Origin I last night. Toovey
made many darting runs from dummy half, and
also tackled strongly. Substitute Steve Menzies scored
the Blues' second try, regathering after a Fittler
bomb to the in-goal.
13 May 1996: Origin I teams announced
With the Super League players now eligible for selection,
Manly have had just two players named in the
representative teams for State of Origin I to be
played next Monday at Suncorp Stadium. Australian
half Geoff Toovey holds on to his NSW spot from
last year, while Steve Menzies has been named on
the NSW bench.
10 May 1996: Eagles defeat Saints
Manly defeated St George 6-2 in a tight encounter
at Kogarah Oval earlier tonight after a scoreless
second half. For the third week in a row, the
Manly game was marked by poor handling but superb
defence, as time and again the Dragons were
unable to broach the line. Amongst the best
for Manly were Geoff Toovey, Nik Kosef and Mark Carroll.
Manly's next game is under lights at Brookvale on Friday
24th May. The Eagles will have an opportunity to avenge last
year's Grand Final loss when they face the out-of-form
Sydney Bulldogs.
10 May 1996: Ridge returns
Fullback and ace goal-kicker Matthew Ridge has decided
to return to the Manly club to fulfil the remaining
seven months of his contract, after being warned that
protracted legal action could have seen him play no football
at all this year. Ridge will most likely return next
week against the Bulldogs.
06 May 1996: Thrashing in the rain
In the pouring rain and under difficult conditions, Manly
had their biggest win of the season yesterday when they
defeated the North Queensland Cowboys 46-4 at Brookvale.
The Eagles scored nine tries to one, Danny Moore picking
up three, as he did in the same game last year. Geoff
Toovey, in his 150th first grade game, was outstanding
in both attack and defense. Also to star were Cliff Lyons,
Steve Menzies and Nik Kosef. Unbelievably, leading try
scorer Menzies failed to cross the line in the win.
Manly's next game is on Friday night, against St George
at Kogarah.
03 May 1996: Gartner out
Daniel Gartner has had to withdraw from the City Origin
team for tonight's game against Country after suffering
from influenza. He is also in doubt for Manly's game
against North Queensland on Sunday. In other news, winger
Craig Hancock returns from injury this weekend in reserve grade,
and Matthew Ridge has again been named on the bench despite
rumours of his return. Manly are rated 33/1 on to win,
with the Cowboys getting 28.5 points start on FootyTAB.
Earlier stories: [Mar 96 |
Apr 96]
Back to the Sea Eagles home page.
28-May-1996
Bryan Gaensler
bgaensler@dunlap.utoronto.ca