Match Report: What a win!

The Parramatta Eels have won a thrilling encounter against the Wests Tigers 26 to 18, in a match that showcased the very best that Rugby League can offer. With Jarryd Hayne, Kris Inu and yes, Feleti Mateo doing incredible things for Parramatta and the likes of Benji Marshall, Robbie Farrah and Beau Ryan firing back for the Tigers, it was non-stop action that thrilled the biggest NSW crowd of the year. While both the Eels and Tigers have a reputation for playing attacking football, but both sides started the game conservatively with controlled sets played mainly through the forwards. You got the sense that both teams were playing to instructions but were just itching to start playing more naturally. The first big moment of that match came when Taniela Tuaiki went down injured with a suspected fractured ankle which was resulted in the Tigers having to reshuffle their backline. Blake Ayshford was shifted to Tuaiki wing and immediately benifitted from it, when Benji Marshall produced a moment of unbelievable footballing brilliance. He dummied to he outside, sprinted through a gap and then sent a no-look, flick pass to his wingman who was presented with a uninterrupted run to the line. Unbelievable. For all his brilliance, however, Marshall couldn't kick the conversion from touch and the Tigers were left four nil up. They extended that to eight after making a break down the same flank which was eventually brought to an end by the Eels cover defence. However, that left them short of numbers to their left and Marshall drifted across field before drawing his man and passing to Beau Ryan. Ryan still had a lot of work to do with Krisnan Inu coming across in cover defence and did remarkably well to get the ball down, although there was some doubt as to whether his foot just touched the sideline. The video referee gave the Ryan the benefit of the doubt and it was a deserved try but for his trouble he also picked up an injury leaving the Tigers backline walking wounded. That first stanza of the match was all Tigers but slowly the momentum started to shift back towards Parramatta on the back of a couple of Tigers errors. With Jarryd Hayne heavily marked, Jeff Robson was presented with a few half gaps and although he threatened with a couple of show and runs he again showed that unfortunate weakness in his game where he's just not able to deliver that killer blow. However, with possession mounting for the Eels the Tigers defence was increasingly stretched and Inu was finally given some space. He stepped John Morris and then put an unmarked Luke Burt away. Burt put the ball down but was left in agony as Bryce Gibbs caught him in the back with a knee as he put the ball down. The referees had no option but to award a possible eight point try and Inu, taking over from the injured Burt, slotted the first from wide before knocking the second over from in front to make it eight all. The Eels had all of the momentum and had a late chance after a Hayne 40/20 but couldn't deliver the final minute blow. However, they came out in the second half as they finished and were set onto the attack when Jarryd Hayne made a massive break down field after taking a bomb. With the Tigers stretched, Hayne again got involved and seeing numbers outwide threw a long pass out to Inu, who evaded his defender and then sprinted away to score. Parramatta might have been a chance of running away with it, but to their credit the Tigers came back fiercely and Chris Lawrence produced a bit of brilliance to send a flick pass to his winger and with Eric Grothe caught too far infield, it was another Tigers try. Again, Marshall couldn't convert so Parra kept a two point advantage but the Tigers were definitely back in the game. However, if the Tigers were producing bits of brilliance, nothing could compare to the amazing try that Parramatta produced next. Feleti Mateo had not long been introduced into the game when he produced an incredible offload that sent Inu on a scamper. Inu passed in the tackle and the ball went to Cayless, who also passed in the tackle. Daniel Mortimer then flicked a pass to Jarryd Hayne, who also passed in the tackle and a trailing Jeff Robson gratefully accepted the ball to score a magical try. Another Inu conversion put the margin out to more than a converted try and again, the Eels were threatening to run away with it especially after they made a couple of breaks which faltered with the final passes. Yet again, though, the Tigers marched back. Robbie Farah sent a sharp cutout ball to Beau Ryan, who had earlier in the half re-entered the fray from injury. Ryan again showed a clean pair of heels and just managed to get the ball down despite a covering tackle from Hayne and he was again given the benefit of the doubt. Marshall finally grabbed a two points, kicking from the sideline and the stage was sent for a thrilling end with the Eels just two points in front. What we needed was that knockout blow and who do you think was the man to produce it. Yes, Jarryd Hayne. Taking the ball with nothing on, he suddenly exploded off the mark, chipped over the top, regathered and raced away for the try. Absolutely incredible. Inu converted to seal the match and you simply won't see ever see a more skillful game.

"Paulo is a shadow of what he once was and is getting worse each year. He looks like he hates the collision these days. Sadly that is what he would display if kept around as a leader for our pack for others to follow. Sam T already seems to follow in…"

"Did you watch him play in this years final for Souths? He was owned by old man Gagai. Laurel went missing all game although he did pass the ball from dummy half a lot to the other outside backs to work it out of their end. Massive NO."

Replies

SacDog92 August 21, 2009 at 9:47pm

simply...amazing. No other way to put it. A great game with each team going tit for tat. I was getting worried midway through the 2nd half when Hayne wasn't in every big play like he has been for the past 6-8 weeks. Then out of no where...BOOM!! haha...gotta love it!!!

CMON PARRA!!!!!
Tayls August 21, 2009 at 9:50pm

great start to the weekend!
Tim August 21, 2009 at 9:50pm

OMFG, brilliant, brilliant effort.

Robson was great tonight imo. Was certainly threatening, but the Tigers had some decent cover defence to prevent the offload.
shwgrl August 21, 2009 at 9:53pm

Not our best game, Cayless his usual piece of shit, who said he was missed last week???? Hayne a legend.
Thank God Mateo is back. Inu was great
- Finchy > shwgrl August 21, 2009 at 11:16pm
  
  Ooh .. that's harsh on Cayless. Are you his wife?
  - Clint > Finchy August 22, 2009 at 2:16pm
    
    Was Cayless even playing? He's the only player in the team i'd be happy to see go. Shwgrl is dead on the money with that call.
    - shwgrl > Clint August 22, 2009 at 4:23pm
      
      Thank you
  - shwgrl > Finchy August 22, 2009 at 4:23pm
    
    God No, just not a fan.
    The "captain" aint supposed to throw stupid passes to give the ball to the opposition in an attacking position. Directly leading to a try. If anyone heard, that was me screaming abuse at him for the rest of the game!
    Time for him to go
    - Finchy > shwgrl August 22, 2009 at 9:09pm
      
      Maybe not the best game for him though he had a few good offloads and did some good work in defense. I dunno why people keep bagging the crap out of certain players even though Parra have won 6 in a row. There will always be mistakes but we are playing well, so maybe you should appreciate that.
      - shwgrl > Finchy August 23, 2009 at 9:14pm
        
        I appreciate winning, I just dont appreciate stupidity.