www.news.com.au 18/5/2003

MANLY five-eighth Ben Walker scored the first "golden point" in the NRL to hand his team a dramatic victory over Parramatta at Brookvale Oval today.

Walker kicked a penalty goal in the second stanza of extra time to secure the win after the scores had been locked at 34-all at the end of regular time, forcing the golden rule introduced this season into play for the first time.

Walker had two field goal attempts in extra time and Eels halfback Michael Witt one before Manly winger Scott Donald, who scored two tries today, made a break down the wing.

The ball was kicked ahead and was picked up by a Parramatta player in an off-side position and referee Steve Lyons had no hesitation in awarding the penalty.

Walker struck the ball sweetly and it sailed through the posts to give the home side victory in front of 10,387 fans.

Both teams, who both displayed terrible defence at times, had earlier traded tries until the scores were locked at 24-all following an Aaron Cannings try just after halftime.

John Morris - one of four players backing up from Friday night's City Country clash at Gosford - broke the stalemate with a 52nd minute try for the Eels and Willie Tonga was on the end of a long Ashley Graham ball six minutes later to extend the visitors' lead to 34-24.

Manly winger Scott Donald then completed his double - after his 29th minute try - to set up a grandstand finish with 11 minutes left on the clock as the Eagles trailed 34-28.

Hero Walker ensured the game would go into extra time when he scored under the posts with six minutes left on the clock.

PARRAMATTA 34 (L Hopkins D Wagon M Witt M Petersen J Morris W Tonga tries; Witt 5 goals)

Brookvale Oval.

Referee: S Lyons.

Crowd: 10,387.

TEAM:

Brendon Reeves, Scott Donald, Kevin McGuinness, Ben MacDougall, John Hopoate, Ben Walker, Jason Ferris, Jason King, Chad Randall, Danny Lima, Solomon Haumono, Anthony Watmough, Steve Menzies (c). Interchange: Aaron Cannings, Luke Williamson, Tony Jensen, Luke Dorn, Sam Harris