Dragons starting to fire
May 24th 2008 11:09
Beau Scott palms Anthony Watmough to score the first try
On a cold night at Brookvale Oval yesterday, the Red V after so much inconsistency and lack of self belief, are finally starting to perform.
Prior to yesterday's NRL match, the Manly Sea Eagles have developed an imposing record at home in recent seasons hence the naming of "fortress Brookvale".
Statistically the Dragons had it all to do against a Manly side that were on a five game winning streak, not to mention most of their wins this season have come by 13 margins.
The Dragons on the other hand were on a win-loss-win situation after beating the Roosters on Anzac day, followed by a loss to the Eels and then beating the premiers the Storm the following week.
Despite their inconsistency, the Dragons have really started to play football that finally has them on par wih most teams in the NRL.
Key players such as Jamie Soward, Matt Cooper, Mark Gasnier and Jason Ryles are finally starting to hit the form that has made them such established stars of our competition.
Soward and Gasnier in particular are displaying immense promise for a Dragons side that had its season on the ropes four weeks ago.
They were playing pathetic football to say the least and were among the most ill-disciplined sides in the NRL.
But a change in attitude, and the inspired performances of key centres Cooper and Gasnier, Illawarra fans are starting to feel a change in the air.
Yesterday's win against the Sea Eagles showcased all the potential talents and verve of a side that is finally starting to take their football seriously.
There were many circumstances in last night's match that could've forced the famous Red V into frustration, but to their credit they have finally found their composure.
Despite conceding 8 penalties against the Sea Eagles, the Dragons still managed to keep in touch with their opponents and they got their just reward.
The likes of Woolford, Scott and Ryles defended admirably for the Dragons against a side that contains arguably the deadliest try-scoring exponent in the game in Sea Eagles fullback Brett Stewart.
Although Stewart did set up a terrific try for David Williams in the corner in the first half, the Dragons never faltered and consistently came up with the right plays to nulify Manly's attack.
Given Manly had hardly any representation on Wednesday's Origin match in Sydney, they still could not put away a side that is now starting to breath belief and attitude.
Jason Ryles in the forwards was simply outstanding as he powered his way to 17 hitups for 137 metres to help lay the platform for likes of Soward and Gasnier to shine.
Do not be surprised if his name appears in NSW's Origin squad for game two due to Ben Cross's recent injury which is set to sideline him for 4 weeks.
Beau Scott also played very well in defence, amassing 37 tackles to blunt the Sea Eagles attack.
However the game breaker for the Dragons was enigmatic halfback Jamie Soward.
He potentially posesses one of the most accurate short kicking games in the NRL and it was in flow last night.
In a moment of the first half, Soward put through a delightful chip kick over Manly's rushed defence, regarthered the ball and really should have put Gasnier away under the posts.
Although his pass went astray, Soward issued a tremendous warning to a Manly defence that was increasingly getting up quickly when the Dragons were in possession.
In the end though, the twin brothers in Brett and Josh Morris came together to seal victory in what would have been an emotional occasion for the two wingers. Both have been in eratic form of late and will be eager to finish their last season together on a high after Josh recently signed a three year deal with the Bulldogs.
More importantly though, Brett Morris's try enabled the Dragons to gain a valuable two competition points to really kickstart their season.
From here on in, The Dragons could really prove to be a darkhorse for the remainder of 2008.
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