THE Brisbane Broncos charged right back into premiership contention with a 16-4 defeat of Manly in yesterday's elimination semi-final. After some ordinary displays in recent weeks, the Broncos showed championship qualities to record an impressive win. In a tight first half, Manly bombarded the Broncos line for long periods. But the Broncos, better known for their flamboyant attack than gritty defence, held firm to frustrate the Sea Eagles. The premiers had just one chance to post points in the first half - and grabbed it with both hands. After one Manly raid deep in their own territory, the Broncos regained possession via a scrum and immediately tossed the ball wide. Five-eighth Kevin Walters sent a perfectly judged long pass to centre Steve Renouf, who charged 80 metres to score untouched. Full-back Julian O'Neill's conversion gave Brisbane a 6-0 lead at the break, but Manly charged back immediately after the resumption. A backline raid started by five-eighth Cliff Lyons saw winger Chris Ryan storm over in the corner, reducing Brisbane's lead to 6-4. But that try only seemed to spark the Broncos into action, with Walters engineering the reply to second-rower Peter Ryan minutes later. The Broncos then sealed the match when powerhouse winger Michael Hancock barged over from dummy-half. Brisbane skipper Allan Langer was delighted with the determined attitude shown by his players. 'We really needed to show some guts to win that one with all the ball Manly had,' Langer said. 'The boys rallied together and it was a good win that puts us in good shape for another sudden-death game against Norths next week.' The Broncos had a few worrying moments during the game, with Langer penalised for a trip tackle and Alan Cann facing action over a high hit. Manly players also accused Renouf of deliberately kneeing replacement winger Jack Elsegood in the back as the pair chased a loose ball late in the game. Manly were a bitter disappointment after a season in which they promised so much, but faded at the final hurdle. 'We were just flat today and it's a really bitter way to go out after such a good year,' skipper Geoff Toovey said.