Aussie Stadium
Referee: Paul Simpkins
Scorers:
SYDNEY ROOSTERS 12
Tries: Cross 2
Goals: Roberts 0/1, Fitzgibbon 1/1 CON, 1/1 PEN
PARRAMATTA EELS 8
Tries: Petersen, Grothe
Goals: Riddell 0/2
Live commentary:
Two teams at different ends of the Top 8. Absolutely pelting down at Aussie Stadium, if ever a leveller was needed
0 min: Kick off in the downpour!
5th min: NEWS - Possession almost solely with the Eels in the soggy conditions. Ball retention obviously vital tonight
10th min: NEWS - Both sides settling into the game and the tough conditions with the game starting to open up. No rain falling at present.
15th min: NEWS - Morrison (Eels) complaining of interference with his eyes by Cross. This following on from a bit of niggle 5 minutes earlier. Rain bucketing down again. Replay with Morrison shows he certainly has something to complain about. No score so far in the match
20th min: TRY - Eels
A line dropout results in great field position for the Eels. A mistake by the Roosters hands possession back to the Parramatta side. A long floating pass out to Petersen all alone by the sideline finds it's mark and the try is scored. Riddell from the sideline, misses. Eels 4-0
25th min: NEWS - Another line dropout to the Eels. 5th tackle option almost results
in another however Minichiello with 4 defenders on him just manages to get back in the field of play. Wing off the field with a hamstring injury
26th min: TRY - Eels
A mistake by Morley on the 1st tackle hands priceless possession to the Eels close to their line. A typical winger's try taken by Grothe out wide. Riddell from the sideline again, misses his 2nd kick. Eels 8-0
34th min: NEWS - The Eels playing the better football in the slush. Their patience and defence sees them holding a handy lead coming up to the break.
HALFTIME: The Eels handling the sorry conditions the better of the two sides. Every time the Roosters have looked dangerous, they're guilty of coming up with an error. Missed tackles letting them down by 18 to 5.
The Eels lead at the break by 8-0
Second half underway..
41st min: 40/20 Eels
Courtesy of Burt
43rd min: Wing (Roosters) out for the game with a hamstring injury. Tests needed to reveal the extent of the damage done
50th min: NEWS - No change to the score from the break. The Rooster still guilty of wet weather errors. Burt (Eels) down injured after taking two heavy knocks. He's playing on. Eels lead 8-0
51st min: TRY - Roosters
Finally the Roosters make the ground and have the passes stick. Minichiello drifts across field and slips the ball nicely for Cross to run into the hole and score. Roberts misses the conversion from out wide. Burt leaves the field. Eels 8-4
60th min: NEWS - Petersen (Eels) covering at fullback for the injured Burt, is himself carrying a hip injury but will play on.
64th min: TRY - Roosters
Safe hands in the soggy conditions helps the Roosters to their line. Once again Minichiello teams up with Cross. A little inside pass sees Cross over the line. Fitzgibbon with a difficult kick, adds the extra 2 points. Roosters 10-8
71st min: NEWS - The Roosters still dropping the ball handing Parramatta great field position. This game is delicately poised, no clear cut winner with 8 minutes to go and the play going from end to end.
Roosters lead 10-8
75th min: NEWS - Inch perfect kick by Cross has Petersen shielding the ball to the end of the in goal and being forced to play at it with the Roosters attack breathing down his neck. Back to back line dropouts for the Roosters. They lead 10-8
76th min: Cayless (Roosters) down after a high knock by Morrison who is on report
77th min: PENALTY GOAL - Roosters
Fitzgibbon from out in front adds 2 points to the score. Roosters 12-8
FULL TIME: Right until the final whistle the Eels were right in the match, almost scoring. The defence of the Roosters holding out to give thenm the victory. Roosters win 12-8
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Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 - A Minichiello(Roosters)
2 - R Cross(Roosters)
1 - N Hindmarsh(Eels)
