Match Report: NSW Cup Round 18 vs Eels

Parramatta were looking to bounce back after a narrow loss last week and led 26-0 at the break. They were able to put on another 18 points in the second half to close out the match.

The Eels started well in front of their home fans on a cold, slippery Sunday night in Kellyville.

In the seventh minute off the back of a six-again, winger Devonte Vaivela crossed in the corner to give the Eels a 4-0 lead. Api Twidle was unable to add the extras.

Parramatta were in again in the 14th minute when prop Ryda Talagi broke through the middle to score under the posts. The conversion was successful making it 10-0.

The very next set, Joash Papalii set up Vaivela in the corner to give him his second try pushing the Eels out to a 14-0 lead.

It was set for set for the next five minutes before Onitoni Large made a break down the middle but despite good field position, Manly were unable to come up with points.

Fullback Braith Alexander continued a strong first half, making an incisive run before Tex Hoy took a chance throwing a dummy only to come up just short of the try line.

A Vaivela line break 26 minutes in led to a try to Zach Visconti. A successful conversion put the Eels ahead 20-0 with about 10 minutes to play before half time.

A 40-20 from Eels hooker Riley Smith put the home side on the attack once more as half time approached.

It was then Smith who delivered the final pass for Charlie Guymer who scored to extend Parramatta’s half time lead to 26-0.

The Eels started the second half strongly scoring two quick tries to establish a 38-0 lead.

Manly went close to scoring with about 20 minutes remaining when winger Blake Wilson looked to have crossed in the corner but was ruled to have gone into touch.

It was long before Wilson did get his name on the scoresheet, racing down the touchline and stepping off his right, after receiving flick pass out the back from Alexander.

The Eels extended their lead to 44-6 with about 14 minutes remaining when prop Max Tupou broke through the middle from 30 metres out to score.

Manly winger Navren Willett scored the final try of the evening off a Tex Hoy kick in the last minute of the game, with the Eels sealing a 44-10 victory.

Next week in NSW Cup, the Sea Eagles will play North Sydney Bears at North Sydney Oval, Sunday 12th (3:00pm).