By Jake Bull
The Illawarra Cutters let a lead slip to ultimately lose 32-20 to Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Saturday.
Despite leading 16-0 early on in the game, the Sea Eagles found their feet and used the momentum to come home in the second half.
It took only eight minutes for the Cutters to score after halfback Drew Hutchison found the try line after backing himself.
The half converted his own try for a 6-0 lead.
Ten minutes later the visitors were in again when winger Kiti Glymin scored to extend their lead to 10-0.
It was all Illawarra in the first half when in the 28th minute late inclusion Will Matthews scored for the visitors.
Hutchison added the extras for a 16-0 lead.
With the half-time break looming, a sudden change in momentum saw Manly bring them right back into the game.
Tries to Kurt Aldridge and a long range effort from captain David Williams meant Illawarra went into the break at 16-12.
Both teams had barely come out of the sheds when Tyrone Cranston scored a try.
After a one-on-one strip, the winger touched down for a 20-12 lead.
A second try to David Williams drew them closer but tries to Jayden Hodges and Ben Fritz and a penalty goal to Aldridge completed the comeback for a 32-20 victory.
Illawarra Cutters 20. Tries: Hutchison, Glymin, Matthews, Cranston. Goals: Hutchison (2/4),
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 32.