Monday, August 02, 2004
Tigers defeat Eels
Media reports following the Eels embarassing defeat to the Tigers focused on the reality that the Eels are now a real chance of picking up the wooden spoon.
The Tigers beat the Eels in a match that was universally described as "scrappy".
Once again, it was the class of an opposition half that was the difference between the Eels winning and losing. This time it was Queensland State of Origin half back Scott Prince.
"Scott Prince was the destroyer for the Tigers, setting up three tries and continually troubling the defence. The Eels had first points from a penalty but from there it was all bad, the kick-off from Brett Hodgson firing back off the posts and the Tigers scoring four rucks later after Prince put through a kick for Shane Elford. "
"Another Prince kick produced a try for former Warrior Robbie Mears and it was his break that put Daniel Fitzhenry away for their third touchdown," said the New Zealand Herald match report.
It has seemed like every match the Eels have lost over the past two months has been the result of being cut to shred by individual brilliance from a half of five-eighth. Be that Darren Lockyer, Amos Roberts, Stacey Jones, Matt Orford or Scott Prince. Unfortunately, no one has stepped up for the Eels to do likewise.
The Sun Herald's match report quoted Parra players Nathan Hindmarsh and Corey Pearson as saying the Eels would do everything in their power to avoid the wooden spoon.
Nathan Hindmarsh said "we're very aware of where we are on the table."
"It would be embarrassing for the club and for Smithy [coach Brian Smith] if we did get the wooden spoon, but I think we're too good to let that happen. We're not going to just curl up and let it happen.
"We'll do everything we can to avoid it. The way we're going is not a reflection of the way Smithy coaches. It's just been one of those years, but there's still plenty of motivation to do well over the last few rounds."
Pearson added: "There's no way in the world we'll get the wooden spoon. We had to win tonight to keep any hope of making the finals alive and we've got the bye next week. After that we'll play for pride right until the end of the season."
In today's Sydney Morning Herald, the Eels were listed as one of the week's big losers in sport. "That old wooden spoon may end up being handed to Parramatta if they keep up their losing ways".
ABC's online report stated the obvious, saying the loss "all but erasing the Eels' hopes of finals action this season".
The Tigers beat the Eels in a match that was universally described as "scrappy".
Once again, it was the class of an opposition half that was the difference between the Eels winning and losing. This time it was Queensland State of Origin half back Scott Prince.
"Scott Prince was the destroyer for the Tigers, setting up three tries and continually troubling the defence. The Eels had first points from a penalty but from there it was all bad, the kick-off from Brett Hodgson firing back off the posts and the Tigers scoring four rucks later after Prince put through a kick for Shane Elford. "
"Another Prince kick produced a try for former Warrior Robbie Mears and it was his break that put Daniel Fitzhenry away for their third touchdown," said the New Zealand Herald match report.
It has seemed like every match the Eels have lost over the past two months has been the result of being cut to shred by individual brilliance from a half of five-eighth. Be that Darren Lockyer, Amos Roberts, Stacey Jones, Matt Orford or Scott Prince. Unfortunately, no one has stepped up for the Eels to do likewise.
The Sun Herald's match report quoted Parra players Nathan Hindmarsh and Corey Pearson as saying the Eels would do everything in their power to avoid the wooden spoon.
Nathan Hindmarsh said "we're very aware of where we are on the table."
"It would be embarrassing for the club and for Smithy [coach Brian Smith] if we did get the wooden spoon, but I think we're too good to let that happen. We're not going to just curl up and let it happen.
"We'll do everything we can to avoid it. The way we're going is not a reflection of the way Smithy coaches. It's just been one of those years, but there's still plenty of motivation to do well over the last few rounds."
Pearson added: "There's no way in the world we'll get the wooden spoon. We had to win tonight to keep any hope of making the finals alive and we've got the bye next week. After that we'll play for pride right until the end of the season."
In today's Sydney Morning Herald, the Eels were listed as one of the week's big losers in sport. "That old wooden spoon may end up being handed to Parramatta if they keep up their losing ways".
ABC's online report stated the obvious, saying the loss "all but erasing the Eels' hopes of finals action this season".
