by Paul Cook - It wasn't pretty but Manly finally booked their place in the last four of this year's Shute Shield with a hard fought 22-15 win over a combative Eastern Suburbs at Coogee Oval. Suffering a hangover from last week's last gasp loss at the hands of Sydney University, it took the Marlins a while to play their way into this one as a fired up Beasties outfit took advantage of their initial malaise to outmuscle them at the breakdown and choke their threats across the park. Only 3-3 after 30 minutes, it was still Manly who found the breakthrough in the shadows of half-time, Pat Leafa crossing to leave a narrow 8-3 lead at oranges. However, Easts fought back and had the majority of territory and possession in a far more exciting second half and a converted try from Elijah Niko put their noses in front by 2pts.