The Roosters were highly critical of referee Keith Page after the match, claiming both of Manly's tries shouldn't have been awarded.

A dour first half saw the teams go to the break tied 4–4, before a try by hooker Fred Jones put Manly ahead.

Midway through the second half, controversy flared again when Manly centre Ray Branighan appeared to stop over the Eastern Suburbs try line after accepting what looked like a forward pass from prop Bill Hamilton.

However, referee Page allowed it and the Manly fans began celebrating, knowing that at 19–4 their first premiership victory was assured.

Although Easts fought back with two late tries to John Ballesty and Bill Mullins and brought the score to 19–14, time ran out for the Roosters and Manly had won their first ever premiership in first grade.