NYC PARRAMATTA 22 DEF KNIGHTS 16
Tony Delany
2008-08-05
The Parramatta Eels maintained their finals aspirations by edging out a gallant Newcastle Knights outfit 22-16 in their Toyota Cup clash at EnergyAustralia Stadium last night.
The Eels opened the scoring in the 2nd minute when Jay Heming recovered a Daniel Mortimer high ball. Fullback Nathan Gardiner converted from next to the posts to give the visitors a 6-0 lead.
The home side hit back in the 10th minute when Callum Richardson crossed after beating two defenders on his way to the tryline, locking it up at 6-all.
Taputoa Rea found himself on the end of a classy backline movement for the Eels following some quality lead up work from five eigth Daniel Mortimer to make it 10-6.
Lead by their Captain, Tim Robinson, Parramatta had plenty of forward momentum from their men in the middle, creating quick play the balls and space for his halves to move.
Both sides were guilty of turning over the ball early in the tackle count, giving up a number of quality chances inside their opponents respective red zones.
The Knights were first to regain their composure when classy pivot Ryan Stigg gave a great pass to put replacement Blake Gallen over to give the Knights the lead 12-10 heading into the halftime break.
Parramatta dominated proceedings early in the second half as halfback Cameron Speechley turned the Knights forwards around by kicking to the corners and forcing the ball into touch.
The Eels converted pressure into points when Taniela Lasalo crossed in the 63rd minute after getting on the outside of his opposite. Just 10 minutes later a four pointer to fullback Nathan Gardner gave Parramatta a 22-16 advantage.
Newcastle refused to lie down and competed well in the dying stages when strong running centre Simon Williams powered down the Western touchline to give the Knights a glimmer of hope with 4 minutes remaining at 22-16.
The match ended in controversial circumstances when Parramatta put the ball into touch with 8 seconds remaining, referee Bernie Sutton refused to pack the scrum despite Newcastle having formed up a scrum.
Parramatta finished victors with a 22-16 win.
Newcastle travel to Skilled Stadium this Monday night to take on the Gold Coast Titans.
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