Throwback: When Manly came to Bramley
The year is 2006 and Bramley Buffaloes are the National League 3 champions, winning the Grand Final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Days later, they find themselves taking on an Australian touring team in the shape of Manly Warringah district – with legendary stand-off Cliff Lyons even making a cameo appearance.
Despite their success at the Grand Finals day and being part of the National League system, Bramley received no prize money.
In a bid to raise some funds, they set up a game against Manly Warringah District, who were looking for a third game to play on tour.
The club raised £3,000 for the game to go ahead, and it took part the day after the Super League Grand Final, and a week after the Buffaloes had beaten Hemel in the NL3 Grand Final.
It nearly didn’t happen though – at 2.15pm, the appointed referee hadn’t showed up. Eventually Jamie Leahy turned up, revealing that the referees had a get together after the Grand Final and were all a bit hungover…
Manly won the game 46-8, with Shaun Flynn scoring Bramley’s only try, and Graham Harrison kicking two goals.
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