Souths Win 13-12 For Sattler
A sweetly struck Lachlan Ilias field goal sealed a famous golden point victory for the Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium last night. The 13-12 win over the Sea-Eagles honoured the memory of club legend John Sattler. Ironically ‘Satts’ wore the number 13 cardinal and myrtle jersey throughout his distinguished career.
A Clean Sweep
Success permeated throughout the entire club on Saturday with a clean sweep of all grades. On top of the first grade, every Souths pathways team got the 2 points from the Lisa Fiaola 17s to the NSW Cup.
An Emotional Tribute
The Sattler family were joined by George Piggins on the field for an emotional pre-game minutes silence. A 13th minute stand and applaud led by The Burrow bought tears to the eyes of fans around the ground.
A Tight Contest
The game was a tight and often messy contest with a double figure error count from both teams.
Cody Walker opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a kick chase try that was awarded by the bunker. Cody never gave up on a Damien Cook grubber kick that looked destined to cross the dead ball line. Daly Cherry-Evans believed the same and tried to shepherd the ball on it’s way to a 7 tackle restart only to see Walker ground the ball centimetres before the line.
Cherry On Top
Minutes later Cherry-Evans returned serve with a nicely weighted kick for oversized back rower Haumole Olakau’atu. A Michael Jordan style leap for a one handed grab produced a sensational try. The big man showed incredible skill to get the Sea-Eagles on the board.
A Cameron Murray pass intercepted by Cherry-Evans in the 39th minute gifted Manly a try just before half time. This defensive lapse before the break continued an alarming trend for the Bunnies. A try has been conceded around this time in every game this season so coach Jason Demetriou will no doubt address the issue as the side prepares for the storm on Friday night.
Number 2 For Cody
Both teams had plenty of chances during the game but points were hard to come by. An improved completion rate in the 2nd half did however pay dividends for Souths with try number 2 for Cody Walker on the ‘rampaging’ right. A well timed pass from lachy Ilias gave Cody just enough space to get over the line.
Ben Lovett
18th man Ben Lovett made his first grade debut in the 62nd minute. Parkes Spacemen junior Lovett, was a late inclusion for Blake Taffe who played a starring role at five-eight in the NSW Cups 26-12 win. 150 members of the Lovett family and friends were at the game, many holding up fabulous Ben Lovett cardboard cut out heads. Bay 106 at Accor Stadium felt the love of the Lovetts last night.
A Golden Finale
A late penalty goal by Latrell Mitchell levelled the scores at 12 all. Failed field goal attempts by ‘Trell Mit’ and Cherry-Evans sent the game to sudden death extra time. The spirit of Sattler blessed the home team on the 3rd tackle of golden point when Josh Aloiai dropped the ball deep in Manlys’ territory.
Both Mitchell and Ilias were set to take the winning one pointer which ultimately went to the number 7. Struck perfectly under pressure, this was the first field goal of Ilias career and one that he will definately never forget. No one at the stadium including me will forgot that finish in a hurry either.
The Bunnies TV trio hosted the post game show in the P&O Members Deck. In the 3 years that we have been doing these shows we remain undefeated at the venue.
Unfortunately we experienced a few technical problems that were beyond our control but we pushed on. We then found out that our special guests were not coming so we’d like to apologise to members on behalf of the club. Next week we are back after the Storm game for a trouble free victory celebration…hopefully!
Souths Win 13-12 For Sattler.
By Steve Mavin for Bunnies TV.
Add comment