The Dyldam Parramatta Eels have held on to beat the Manly Sea Eagles 48-40 in the final NYC trial leading into the 2014 season.
The Blue and Gold boys out-scored the Sea Eagles seven tries to two in the opening term, with Josh Aloiai and Nathan Davis bagging doubles to put the Eels comfortably ahead.
Davis began his collection in the opening two minutes of Holden Cup after playing Australian Schoolboys last year, making a big run and converting his own try.
It didn’t take long before Halauafu Lavaka crashed over in the corner to get the Eels off to a good start.
Manly Warringah returned fire with tries to Liam Knight and Will Pearsall, converted by Michael Stigg, equalling the scores, but it wasn’t to be for long.
Hooker Zach Dockar-Clay scored from dummy-half, with Davis picking up his second from a bullet pass out onto the right edge.
Davis’ fellow Australian Schoolboy Tepai Moeroa scrambled to pick up a loose ball and crossed the white line too, putting the Eels further in front.
Lock Aloiai scored two quick tries to finish the half with the visitors sitting on an impressive 42-12 lead at the break.
The Sea Eagles started strongly in the second half with tries to Charlie Buttrose, James Parker and Tom Trbojevic scoring tries.
A late couple of try to the Sea Eagles’ Nicholas Lynn and a second for Trbojevic saw the lead narrow, but the Eels held on to win 48-40.
