Storm's winning run comes to an end

[josie andrews]

Melbourne Storm has been defeated 18-4 by Manly at Brookvale Oval in a match that will be remembered more for the fracas just before half-time than the final result.

Sea Eagles winger Tony Williams scored two tries either side of half-time, while another to five-eighth Kieran Foran who opened the scoring was easily enough to get the two points.

But it was the controversy that surrounded the sending off of Storm's Adam Blair and Manly's Glenn Stewart that was the main talking point.

After both players were sent to the sin bin for fighting, the two met again on the way to the changerooms and it was clear Stewart hadn't had enough. The Manly back-rower threw a punch with Blair retaliating right in front of the interchange bench.

With the two big forwards duking it out, Blair was set upon by four Manly players, one of which was Glenn's brother Brett who seemed to punch Blair in the head as he joined the fray.

Amazingly it was Blair who was sent off for defending himself, along with the instigator Glenn, while Brett somehow kept his place on the field.

The majority of the second half was an end-to-end tussle, with chances few and far between. But right at the death Storm kept the ball alive and Billy Slater latched onto a loose ball to cross in the final minute for his team's first points.

Storm 4 (Try: Slater) def. by Sea Eagles 18 (Tries: Foran, Williams; Goals: Lyon 3) at Brookvale Oval, Sydney

http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=40899

[Shaun1967]

Video of the fight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p17GBlzxDk

[josie andrews]

What I thought was ironic from the ref after the second incident was to say to Blair, "You retaliated, so your gone too." What did he want him to do? Stand there while Stewart beat up on him??? I'd have retaliated to!!!

[bourbon_rat]

If you want 'irony' how about 4 Manly players,(B Stewart included) who ran across the field to 'assist' in beating on Blair getting a LESSER charge than Sisa Waqa who ran from the bench to the side line to try & break things up ?

'Irony 2' The judiciary panel they 'picked' is made up of 3 ex manly players,two of whom were previously involved in civil action against Melbourne Storm.

Very erm - neutral

[cpwigan]

Sounds about right BR

However, I dod think Manly are potential GF winners alongside the Storm.

[wiganwarriordave]

Not seen a good biff like this for a long time!

http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Blair-and- ... fault.aspx

[Panchitta Marra]

Could have been a good old one to one scrap if those other dirty Sea Eagles hadnt run in and spoiled it.

[bourbon_rat]

Blair got done for the initial fight & again for the sideline dust up - Stewart only got done for one of them ?
Interesting interpretation of 'laying blame' don't ya think

[cpwigan]

The 4 on 1 was a disgrace. I loathe Manly to be fair but they are a definite GF threat.

[bourbon_rat]

Let's see how Manly fare in
A: Round 26 V Broncos in "Goodbye Lockyer" mode
B: First week of Finals,(home ground NOT Brookvale)