Sunday, September 05, 2004
Eels outclassed
The Parramatta Eels were shown just how much difference there is between the Minor Premiers and a competition also-ran – 38 points, to be exact.
The Eels were thrashed today 48 to 10 by a Roosters outfit that was too strong, too committed, too willing, too fast and too skillful for their opponents.
Although, Parra fans are already eagerly looking towards next year, the final game of the year showed just how much improvement Parramatta will need to find to become Premiership contenders again.
The game started ominously with the Roosters scoring in the opening minutes but the Eels got back into the contest when a Michael Witt bomb again produced a try to the Eels with Luke O’Dwyer scoring.
However, it was another heart-breaking mistake that turned the game. Having competed well for 25 minutes Matt Petersen picked up a grubber kick in-goal and fired off a sharp-pass to Wade McKinnon just as the fullback slipped. He had no chance of grasping the ball and it fell to the ground for Chris Walker to score.
Not long after, Michael Crocker brushed aside an attempted Daniel Wagon tackle, to score and from there on, it was a procession of tries to the Roosters. The Eels could not keep up with the pace set by the Sydney City and they were continuously struggling to get back the ten and gave away a litany of penalties for that offence. With the Roosters enjoying a mountain of possession and field position, the Eels defence was unable to hold the quick, strong and skillful Roosters outfit who totally dominated the game.
The Eels only got their second try in the dying minutes when some good work by Ashley Graham and some nice offloading led to a Petersen try outwide.
The result was perhaps fitting. A disappointing end to a disappointing season. Goodbye NRL 2004 and good riddance.
The Eels were thrashed today 48 to 10 by a Roosters outfit that was too strong, too committed, too willing, too fast and too skillful for their opponents.
Although, Parra fans are already eagerly looking towards next year, the final game of the year showed just how much improvement Parramatta will need to find to become Premiership contenders again.
The game started ominously with the Roosters scoring in the opening minutes but the Eels got back into the contest when a Michael Witt bomb again produced a try to the Eels with Luke O’Dwyer scoring.
However, it was another heart-breaking mistake that turned the game. Having competed well for 25 minutes Matt Petersen picked up a grubber kick in-goal and fired off a sharp-pass to Wade McKinnon just as the fullback slipped. He had no chance of grasping the ball and it fell to the ground for Chris Walker to score.
Not long after, Michael Crocker brushed aside an attempted Daniel Wagon tackle, to score and from there on, it was a procession of tries to the Roosters. The Eels could not keep up with the pace set by the Sydney City and they were continuously struggling to get back the ten and gave away a litany of penalties for that offence. With the Roosters enjoying a mountain of possession and field position, the Eels defence was unable to hold the quick, strong and skillful Roosters outfit who totally dominated the game.
The Eels only got their second try in the dying minutes when some good work by Ashley Graham and some nice offloading led to a Petersen try outwide.
The result was perhaps fitting. A disappointing end to a disappointing season. Goodbye NRL 2004 and good riddance.
