In what seemed as a big chance for the Eels to win their third match in a row for the first time since 2009. 2013 incoming coach Ricky Stuart was in attendance and hoping to see the flair that the Eels had displayed in previous weeks. The Tigers responded by snapping a run of poor form. It was still a very interesting match which had plenty of twists and turns in it.
The Eels came into the match as the dark horse, having beaten competition heavy weights Melbourne and Brisbane the previous two weeks. The match started with the Tigers enjoying an early glut of possession and they scored 5 minutes into the match through Tim Moltzen, Leading 6-0. This prompted the blue and gold machine to click into gear. Ben Roberts found a broken defensive line from the Tigers and danced through to post Parramatta's opening points. Off the following set the Eels busted the Tigers on the left hand side. Sandow drifted wide and placed a kick which was collected by Ken Sio and the Eels led 12-6 after 12 minutes. Jake Mullaney then benefited from some good lead up play and slid over. 3 minutes later and Mullaney was in again. It seemed the Eels and started from where they left off the last time they played the Tigers. It was 22-6 after only 28 minutes.
The Tigers weren't going away though and Heighington burst over and scored. Matt Utai then crashed over minutes later and the score read 22-18 at half time. After halftime the Eels decided that they weren't done and Taulima Tautai finished off a bust and scored for Parramatta to lead 26-18. However, with inspirational captain Nathan Hindmarsh off the field the cracks showed. The Tigers began slicing them apart at will and before they knew it, the Tigers led 28-26. As the Tigers lead grew the fans started thinking about the memorable come back in Round 8. However, tonight there would be no miracle come back. Young Fijian winger, Malika Koroibete posted 4 tries as the Tigers dominated the second half. Benji Marshall capped the win with a field goal with 7 minutes remaining.
Unfortunately for Parramatta their ever important points difference has taken a massive hit with the loss putting them over 30 points off the 15th placed Panthers. The Tigers ran out impressive winners 51-26. The Eels now prepare to take on the 14th placed Roosters.
Replies
Pathetic!
All i can say is thank god for the legendary eels fan who got me some free beers, champion bloke he was and god knows i needed em after that game!
Geez, I wish we had a 19yo Fijian guy who is big and fast and score tries ....wait, where's that guy in the 20's from again?
Probably QLD.
that was a woeful performance
We know how to throw a game away, thats for sure. We only had to win by 7pts to get off the bottom of the ladder, that should have been a massive motivator to win.
Cant believe we led 22-6?, and still got flogged.....
I think johno summed it up best in another blog.
The Eels stopped trying to win and started trying not to lose.
But deep down, I reckon we all love the fact that the team is putting on some dammed entertaining footy. Hehe.
I think I am starting to get a bit optimistic about next year.
For me - I am going to enjoy the rest of the season and be there to see the guys go out with a win in the last round.
Sticking my neck out here - 2 more entertaining wins to come in 2012.
If we can continue to start games like this we will do ok.
Ambush St G and get a good early lead and they won't know what to do.
The Roosters play a similiar up-tempo expansive attacking game like the Tigers. Start well again and now be ready this time for it to not be so one-sided and I think we'll get the roosters
How did tautai run 53m?
In a hurry
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