Eels win spiteful encounter

Super Saturday Review

Parramatta has defeat Manly in a spiteful encounter 31-18 at the Parramatta Stadium on Saturday night.

Despite playing the last 30 minutes with only 12 players on the field, the Eels’ held off a spirited comeback from the Sea Eagles. Prop Fui Fui Moi Moi found himself in trouble with referee Steve Clark after a swinging arm collected opposing prop Brent Kite whilst being tackled.

The Eels’ took an 18-8 lead into half time with Jarryd Hayne again amongst the try scorers. The rookie winger has crossed for 13 tries in his last seven appearances and grabbed the first of the Eels’ five tries.

Former Eel Shayne Dunley was another reported in the spiteful encounter for dropping his knees into Hayne’s back during a 31st minute tackle.

Luke O’Dwyer and Luke Burt both scored twice, while Burt landed all five conversions. Steve Matai and Paul Stephenson were the first half scorers for the Manly team that was being outplayed, and never looked like winning until sparked by the Moi Moi sending off.

The Sea Eagles’ took full advantage of the overlap with a try each from Chris Hicks and Luke Williamson. Orford slotted through one conversion and had the visitors’ just six points behind with 20 minutes to play.

However, Parramatta’s march towards the top eight continued when Burt crossed for his second try, converted and then John Morris potted a field goal for a 13-point winning margin.

The Eels are locked on 22 points with three other teams, only for and against keeping them out, next week they host the St George-Illawarra Dragons on Friday night, while Manly has the bye.

In other matches, South Sydney has recorded their second win of the season, easily accounting for Canberra 21-8 at the Telstra Stadium.

The Rabbitohs were in control from start to finish, leading 20-4 at half time. Former Shark David Peachey showed he could still play first grade with an inspirational weaving move to grab the first try.

Winger Nathan Merritt crossed for a double, while all of the Raiders’ points came from Origin hero Adam Mogg, who also snared a double.

Next week, Canberra hosts Brisbane Broncos, while Souths tackle Penrith at Telstra Stadium with both matches scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Penrith has returned to the winners list with a comprehensive 30-point mauling of the New Zealand Warriors at CUA Stadium in the first Super Saturday match.

Despite the Warriors posting the first points, through Manu Vatuvei, the Panthers held sway with six unanswered tries. Preston Campbell put the Panthers in a scoring position after he snatched possession from the Warriors who were close to scoring a second try.

Tony Puletua crossed the line a minute later after he was assisted with a great offload from Craig Gower. Rhys Wesser ensured the Panthers held a 12-6 lead at the half break, and he posted a second four-pointer in the 54th minute.

Penrith surrendered after half time last Sunday, their 18-point match winning lead wiped off in fairly quick time early in the second half. Nevertheless, they avoided any comeback attempt and closed the match out through Luke Rooney and Matthew Cross, while Wesser completed a hat trick of tries in the 66th minute.

Next Week, the New Zealand Warriors host Cronulla on Saturday night, while Penrith are away to South Sydney on Sunday afternoon.

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