Match Report: Eels crash to Dragons

Was this the loss the Eels had to have? Or are we gone? The Eels incredible run came to a crunching halt tonight as they were completely outplayed by a much-improved Dragons outfit who demolished the Eels 37 to nil.Having already lost Nathan Hindmarsh, the Eels also found themselves without Eric Grothe with Daniel Anderson making the brave decision of throwing rookie Jonothan Wright into the fray in his place. It would be a decision that would prove disastrous as Wright's defensive immaturity was exposed on multiple occasions by the Dragons speedy outside backs.The match started as an arm wrestle before a Todd Lowrie mistake gave the Dragons their first opportunity. Where the Eels defence has previously held solid it was one of their most reliable defenders Jeff Robson who missed the tackle on Creagh and the international second rower showed great skill to get the ball down.The second try was a classy effort from the Dragons with quick hands proving too good for the Eels brittle left side defence, ending with Morris beating Jarryd Hayne to get the ball across the stripe. Soward just missed from touch to make it 10 to nil.The third try was doubtful to say the least. Jonothan Wright got caught in no-mans land and Morris was away again. Hayne this time produced a valiant effort to keep the ball off the ground and it looked like that was what he'd done but the referee disagreed and awarded the try. Soward, kicking from an almost identical spot as the last try, corrected himself and this time nailed it between the posts.Hard on the attack again, the Dragons made the curious decision to take a difficult kick at goal, a sign of respect that quite frankly the Eels probably didn't deserve. Soward again made the kick and it was 18 to nil, then 20 to nil when another penalty was given right in front.As the half drew to a close the Eels did start to look dangerous as they started to get their second phase play into attack. But in a movement that was indicative of their night an enterprising attacking raid looked certain to yield a try but Luke Burt dropped the pull trying to get the ball down.Then after Burt was penalised for offside trying to create a chance after the bell, Jamie Soward potted a long-range field goal and the first half thumping was complete at 21 to nil.Things only got worse for the Eels in the second half. Their defence was crap, their ball handling was crap and their discipline was rubbish. Another missed Wright tackle against the Dragons fullback put the Saints on the attack again and they allowed forward Dan Hunt to score a try almost in slow-mention. If that try was soft, the next was like butter left out in the sun on a hot summers day. Little Nathan Fien with four forwards in front of him somehow managed to get the ball down under the posts. Then another classy movement exploiting an overlap saw Brett Morris go in again to make it 37 after yet another conversion.The good news is we'll have Nathan Hindmarsh and Eric Grothe back week, the bad news is Krisnan Inu will be in doubt having come from the first in the first half with a leg injury.It's not going to be easy for the Eels to pull themselves off the deck after this shellacking.

"Yea I like Samrani as a 17 rather than a starting backrower. Tuilagi will probably be selected this week with Guymer back on the bench or cup. Latu needs a couple more games in Cup before being a chance of NRL selection I would think."

"Yep thats the thing. I dont think anyone expected some players to be so much on the outer and JR blood so many younger players. Its why we are suffering this short term pain. Hopefully its better for the long run."

Replies

Camo73 September 4, 2009 at 9:30pm

Congratulations Dragons. The minor premership is deservedly theirs. Now we wait to see whether the Panthers can beat the Knights and give us 7th instead of 8th.
We were well and truly beaten by a better side tonight and psychologically it could be damaging. But if we're good enough then we're still in there with a chance.
Next week is a new game.
shwgrl September 4, 2009 at 9:42pm

Where to start?
Inu has just turned up to be decoration tonight,
I never want to see that bloody useless piece of shit, Lowrie, in blue & gold ever again, he is a disgrace to our jersey.
Still pushing impossible passes, but tonight they came back to bite us on the arse.
The so called "Captain" just taking up space again as usual
Really need to eliminate the Ref's call bullshit from the game, What could Archer see? Nothing, but reakons he saw the ball on the line when questioned , well if he did then why go to the Video Ref? No sense in it. He didnt see a thing he just gave it.
So whose got GF tickets???
- graeme > shwgrl September 4, 2009 at 9:53pm
  
  inu was having a blinder till he snapped hamstring
  - shwgrl > graeme September 4, 2009 at 10:27pm
    
    what, nearly getting pushed over the sideline and then actually getting pushed over the sideline?????????????
    Yep a real blinder!
    - Daneel > shwgrl September 5, 2009 at 12:59am
      
      Sorry, Ive got to agree with graeme.
      - shwgrl > Daneel September 5, 2009 at 11:22am
        
        AND GIVING AWAY Two stupid penalties at crucial times???? R u joking????
        
        Ross > shwgrl September 5, 2009 at 11:30am
        
        Inu flirting with the side line hurt us big last night, he seems afraid to run into someone at times.
        
        shwgrl > Ross September 5, 2009 at 1:45pm
        
        exactly
  - Badbull > graeme September 5, 2009 at 8:53pm
    
    what game were u watching.? inu was certainly not playing well... is it just me or does he have brain snaps during some games...?
    - shwgrl > Badbull September 6, 2009 at 2:43pm
      
      Thats what I'm saying, I Luv him but too may brain snaps !!!!