LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a tough battle on the Northern Beaches, the Dragons succumbed to the Sea Eagles with a final score of 30-14 at the sun-soaked 4 Pines Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Sea Eagles seized the opportunity to put the first points on the board after a penalty in their favor, with fullback Lehi Hopoate crossing the try line.
Despite losing Moses Suli to a hamstring injury before kick-off, the Red V rejigged their lineup with Mathew Feagai moving to the centres and Christian Tuipulotu slotting into the starting side.
Although the Sea Eagles suffered the blow of losing three players to injuries in the first half, it did not deter them as they went on to score five of the final six tries of the match, securing the victory.
A series of slick offloads in the middle of the field created an opening on the left flank for the Dragons, with Ben Hunt setting up Luciano Leilua who then found Kyle Flanagan in support for their second try.
Zac Lomax added the conversion to give the Red V a 10-4 lead just 15 minutes into the game.
Despite a valiant effort, the Dragons ultimately couldn't match the Sea Eagles' relentless attack and fell short in this hard-fought match.
With some key players stepping up and others facing setbacks, the Dragons will look to regroup and come back stronger in their next outing.