Lyon silences 'cowardly' crowd

[gong_eagle]

Lyon silences 'cowardly' crowd
Article from: The Daily Telegraph

By Dean Ritchie
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22154801-5001023,00.html
July 30, 2007 12:00am

MANLY 32 PARRAMATTA 24
​

MANLY lodged a complaint with the NRL last night after a Sea Eagles player and trainer were struck by flying coins at Parramatta Stadium.

The ugly development capped a spiteful day where Jamie Lyon starred in his emotional Parramatta homecoming, scoring two tries to lead Manly to a 32-24 victory over the Eels.

Manly boss Grant Mayer described as "cowardly" a barrage of 20c coins hurled on to the field by members of the crowd, some of which hit Manly lock Luke Williamson and Sea Eagles trainer Greg Alexander.

The NRL will today speak with Parramatta officials before launching an investigation into the drama.

Parramatta fans jeered, booed and abused Lyon throughout yesterday's match, supporters chanting: "Lyon is a wanker".

But the ugly incident could not dampen Lyon's joy and relief at the outcome of the game, the climax of three years of torment and pain.

Although angry at the coin-throwing, Lyon - who walked out on Parramatta in early 2004 - could not stop smiling at fulltime, his two tries (in the 58th and 71st minutes) sealing Manly's striking victory.

"It was a bit of a buzz to get the win and two tries," Lyon said.

"It (the abuse) pumped me up as it did the rest of our team. It was a bit like an English Premier League match. I loved it.

"It was relentless but I wasn't surprised. I knew it would happen."

Manly halfback Matt Orford praised Lyon's composure and calmness in yesterday's ferocious atmosphere.

"He is pretty laid back - Jamie just got on with business," Orford said.

"He copped a bit of stick but he expected it. The only way to quiet them down was to win and for Jamie to play well. He did that."

Williamson confirmed he had been hit by coins and spoke of his fortune at not being injured.

"Fortunately no one was hurt," Williamson said. "It is the first time it has happened to me."

Lyon added: "They (the fans) should pull their heads in. It could take an eye out and do some damage. It's not good at all."

Mayer last night described the coin-throwers as "cowards".

"It was the act of a coward. You can't put brains in a statue," Mayer said. "It was inappropriate."

There were a number of crucial decisions and key moments which could have changed yesterday's result - but, in the end, the better side won.

The lead changed five times during what was another classic encounter between these two proud clubs.

Parramatta led 18-8 at halftime before Manly won the second half 24-6.

"We showed a lot of character and toughness and in the second half we showed a lot of patience," said Manly coach Des Hasler.

Orford added: "We could have thrown the towel in (when behind 18-8) but we didn't. We had self- belief in our game plan."

Manly fullback Brett Stewart was exceptional. However, there wasn't a poorly-performed player across either side.

"It was a high-standard game," Eels coach Michael Hagan said.

"Manly was very good with their control of the football and that was a good indication as to why they are coming where they are. When you drop your intensity in defence, points will follow."

It was Manly's first win at Parramatta Stadium for 10 years.

Manly forward Glenn Hall was placed on report for a head slam on Eels hooker P J Marsh in the first half.

 

[Fairleigh Good!]

Der, der, der, der Jamie Lyon! der der der der.

Always been a champion that boy. Good to see he's doing well in the NRL.

 

[GC_Gladiator]

Lol, his sh*t house.

 

[chileman]

Only a couple of idiots spoilt that game....I have family and good friends who all support the Eels and if they'd spotted the goose throwing coins they would have linched him/her/them themselves!