FOR a moment, just a moment, it seemed Southern Districts might get themselves back into a match and aim up for what would have been only their second win of the season.

Playing at home on Saturday against Manly, the only team they had beaten this season, the Rebels had just scored a converted try, were still down 27-7, but they were playing better.

There was a ray of sunshine for the players, and sponsors and supporters on the clubhouse veranda.

Instead, as a cruel wind blew across the ground, another Rebels' backline handling mistake took the pressure off the opposition.

You could see the team's lone try scorer, big James McCormack, and his forwards collectively bow their heads, as the ball spun wide and Manly crossed.

Manly scored another converted try, again through the backs, before going on to an easy 44-7 victory, and inflicting the 12th loss of the season on the Shute Shield cellar dwellers. There was no joy in the lower grades, either. Manly won them all, by similar margins.