BALMAIN LOSE 44-24 IN STATE CUP TRIAL
By Wayne Cousins
19/02/2011 5:27:25 PM
Balmain Ryde Eastwood Tigers suffered a 44-24 loss to Wentworthville in a State Cup trial at Campbelltown Sports Stadium today.
The match was played over four quarters due to the very hot conditions in Sydneys west.
The Tigers opened the scoring in the 10th minute when a short crosskick by five-eighth Sean Meaney was caught on the full by half-back Jacob Miller . Full-back Jake Mullaney converted for a 6-0 lead.
The Eels opened their account when second-rower Tom Vainga dived over in the corner after a crossfield kick was spilt by the Tigers.
Five-eighth Brad Murray failed to convert from the sideline.
2nd quarter
A good pass by Murray found lock Mitch Stanfield in support who offloaded to Henry Raiwalui to dive over next to the posts in the second minute for an 8-6 lead. Murrays attempt hit the upright.
Two minutes later, Eels centre Troy Savage dives on the loose ball after Meaney fails to ground the ball in-goal. Murray converts the try for a 14-6 lead.
Meaney made up for his mistake when he backed up a break by centre Matt Utai after clever work by hooker Matt Hyland. Mullaney converted from in front for a 14-12 scoreline eight minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Tigers winger Sam Latu was all set to score but the final pass from ,Utai was intercepted by Eels winger Cliff Nye who showed a clean pair of heels to race away to score in the corner. Murray converted the try for a 20-12 lead at half-time.
3rd quarter
Quick hands and numbers out wide saw Parramatta stretch their lead to 24-12 with a try to Lepani Waqa. Murray converted for a 26-12 lead.
A short pass from dummy half saw prop Nathan Armit crash over next to the posts to score. Murray converted the try to give the Eels a 32-12 lead with 5 minutes remaining.
A minute later, the Eels made a break down the right wing resulting in second-rower Keresoma Sione scoring. Murray converted the try for a 38-12 lead.
4th quarter
A grubber kick by Miller was spilt in goal by the Eels to allow Junior Roqica to score next to the posts. Miller converted the try for a 38-18 scoreline with 10 minutes remaining.
A minute later, Tigers back Limoni Kaumutu finished off a break to score near the posts. Miller converted the try for a 38-24 scoreline.
The Eels finished the match off when winger Mark Hendy scored behind the posts. Murray converted for a 44-24 scoreline.
Wentworthville 44 (Tom Vainga, Henry Raiwalui, Troy Savage, Cliff Nye, Lepani Waqa, Nathan Armit, Keresoma Sione, Mark Hendy tries; Murray 6 goals) d Balmain Ryde Eastwood Tigers 24 (Jacob Milller, Sean Meaney, Junior Rogica, Limoni Kaumutu tries; Jake Mullaney 2 goals, Miller 2 goals).
