The U20 Thunderbolts have been defeated 34-26 by the Manly Sea-Eagles on the Sunshine Coast.
Manly opened the scoring but Melbourne were quick to respond with Jacob Tonge scoring a brilliant 50 meter try to post the Thunderbolts first points of the game.
Coach Eric Smith’s, Thunderbolts, dominated possession and territory throughout the first half which resulted in two further tries to Braydon Trindall and Augustus Rangihuna.
Jesse Arthars also had a solid game for the Thunderbolts especially in the goal kicking department where he struck a penalty on the halftime siren that gave Melbourne a 20-6 lead at the break.
Manly scored three more tries in the first 15 minutes of the second half to gain a 24-20 lead over the Thunderbolts.
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Melbourne struck back straight away with another fantastic try scored by Beau Fermor, which put the Thunderbolts ahead with 15 minutes left in the game.
Manly eventually capitalised on their strong field positioning and scored two late tries in the final five minutes of the game to take the win 34-26.
The Thunderbolts will now travel to Townsville where they will take on the North Queensland Cowboys on Friday in Round 22.
Melbourne 26
Tries: Braydon Trindall, Beau Fermor, Augustus Rangihuna, Jacob Tonge.
Goals: Jesse Arthars 5
Manly 34
Tries: Luke Polselli 2, Alfred Smalley, Jade Anderson, Manase Fainu, Josh Martin.
Goals: Jade Anderson 5
