Saturday, August 14, 2004
Eels thump Sharks
The Parramatta Eels finally showed the form they're capable of thrashing the Cronulla Sharks 44 to 22.
In doing so, they kept their slim finals hopes alive, and remain a mathematical possibility of making the eight.
The Eels got off to a terrible start when Michael Witt's clearing kick in the opening minute was charged down by Paul Gallen who showed a clean pair of heels to beat the covering Parramatta defence.
However, the Eels regathered and struck back when a Luke Burt grubber deflected of the Sharks defence was picked up by Junior Langi who turned the ball back inside to a trailing Luke Burt he went over to put the Eels on level turns.
The Eels then hit the lead when Nathan Hindmarsh took advantage of a sustained period of Eels attack to step through some flimsy defence close to the line to score. Dean Widders did likewise just before half time and the Eels went into the break leading 18 to 6.
The Eels continued their dominance into the second half and scored tries almost at will. Matt Peterson scored two tries in a fine wingers performance and Ashley Graham also scored out wide. Luke Burt bagged his double and Daniel Wagon put the icing on the cake when he strolled over outwide in the final minute.
Nathan Hindmarsh again led the way but it was very much a team performance with all players doing their bit. James Webster in his first game back in the NRL for many, many weeks was very effective off the bench and helped the Eels skip away late in the second half.
In doing so, they kept their slim finals hopes alive, and remain a mathematical possibility of making the eight.
The Eels got off to a terrible start when Michael Witt's clearing kick in the opening minute was charged down by Paul Gallen who showed a clean pair of heels to beat the covering Parramatta defence.
However, the Eels regathered and struck back when a Luke Burt grubber deflected of the Sharks defence was picked up by Junior Langi who turned the ball back inside to a trailing Luke Burt he went over to put the Eels on level turns.
The Eels then hit the lead when Nathan Hindmarsh took advantage of a sustained period of Eels attack to step through some flimsy defence close to the line to score. Dean Widders did likewise just before half time and the Eels went into the break leading 18 to 6.
The Eels continued their dominance into the second half and scored tries almost at will. Matt Peterson scored two tries in a fine wingers performance and Ashley Graham also scored out wide. Luke Burt bagged his double and Daniel Wagon put the icing on the cake when he strolled over outwide in the final minute.
Nathan Hindmarsh again led the way but it was very much a team performance with all players doing their bit. James Webster in his first game back in the NRL for many, many weeks was very effective off the bench and helped the Eels skip away late in the second half.
