Eels halt the Cowboys run to the
top

Fulltime score: Round 9 Eels 50 v Cowboys 12

Match summary: The Parramatta faithful who turned up to see their side play todayat Parramatta Stadium were treated to a top display by their side with the Eels hammering the Cowboys by 50-12.

A solid start by the visitors that had them 6-0 up within two minutes of the game looked to have the Cowboys well set in the match. However the Parramatta players obviously had other ideas as they soaked up the pressure put on them for the first twenty minutes and let loose for the rest of the match.

The lead of 24-6 at the break was due mainly to some solid go-forward attack with the fifth tackle options shown by their young halfback Tim Smith leaving the Cowboys with no answers and standing behind the goal line waiting for the conversion attempts.

The second half and the expectation was there for the Cowboys to come right back into match to show why they should be at the top of the table. However the Eels were unstoppable storming away with the match in the end, notching up a half century of points on their journey.

Stand out performances by Fui Fui Moi Moi and Dean Widders continually carving up the defence were complimented by a great halves combination of Tim Smith and John Morris.

The Cowboys now head back to Dairy Farmers Stadium for the sell-out match against the Broncos next Saturday night, hoping for a return back to form

Scorers EELS 50 Tries: Morris, O'Dwyer, Moi Moi, Burt, Widders 2, McKinnon 2, B Smith Goals: Burt 7/9 COWBOYS 12 Tries: Sing, Faiumu Goals: Hannay 2/2

Parramatta Stadium Referee: Paul Simpkins

Live commentary: Parramatta Stadium the place this afternoon for what should be a very tough battle with the home side searching for a Top 8 spot, and the Cowboys, the number 1 position

0 min: Kick off

2nd min: TRY - COWBOYS Fifth tackle option in the first set is a kick, touched by an Eels player allowing the Cowboys another set. Seemingly with ease the Cowboys go through the motions for Matt Sing to be the 1st Cowboys player ever to score 50 tries for the club. Hannay adds two extra points. Cowboys 6-0

7th min: NEWS - Thurston (Cowboys) looks to be struggling with a leg injury

13th min: NEWS - A huge break by Thurston (Cowboys), who looks to have recovered from his earlier injury, set up the Cowboys for a set of six right on their line. Excellent defence by the Eels snuffed out any scoring opportunities. Cowboys lead 6-0

19th min: NEWS - Once again Thurston carves the opposition up through the middle to scamper down the field. Once again the Eels scramble well to save the points.

22nd min: TRY - EELS Hot on attack, 5th tackle option Tim Smith does a quality banana kick for a flying Morris to score from right by the posts. The conversion from Burt is spot on. 6-6

25th min: TRY - EELS The Eels have their backs up. Moi Moi makes the yards with Smith once again pivotal in the try with a superb kick to the line, a favourable bounce and O'Dwyer is over to score. Burt converts. Eels 12-6

29th min: TRY - EELS Once again a deft little kick by the Eels halfback Smith allows any number of Parramatta players a chance to score. This time Moi Moi comes up with the goods after a little juggle with the ball but secure enough to ground it for 4 points. Burt from out in front, converts. Eels 18-6

34th min: NEWS - Widders (Eels) this time goes for a bit of a canter with Burt held up over the line, the Cowboys defence tired but holding

38th min: TRY - EELS 30 metres out from the Eels line and a bullet like pass to an unmarked Burt sees his storm his way to the line with the look of grim determination cemented on his face. Burt from the sideline, converts his own try. Eels 24-6

HALFTIME: After a solid start to the game by the Cowboys, big applause must go to the home side for their patience and fight back into the game. Parramatta lead 24-6 at the break

Second half underway...

44th min: TRY - EELS Controlled play by the Eels pays off yet again. This time Widders gets the spoils as the game starts to fade away from the visitors. Burt misses his first kick of the afternoon. Eels 28-6

49th min: TRY - COWBOYS Finally the Cowboys come back into the game. A line dropout is set up well. Faiumu throws a terrific dummy close to the line and pops over to score. Hannay converts. Eels 28-12

53rd min: TRY - EELS The Eels hit back straight away. That name Smith is once again mentioned. This time a perfectly timed pass from the Eels halfback sees McKinnon amble over to add another 4 points. Burt from out in front adds the extra 2 points. Eels 34-12

55th min: NO TRY The Eels close to adding insult to injury by scoring some more points after a break by Wagon. Luckily for the Cowboys the corner post got in the way. Eels 34-12

64th min: TRY - EELS Another Smith in the Eels outfit this time has his name in lights. Ben Smith barrels his way over close to the line for another try for the home side. Burt from the sideline has a nasty conversion and misses. Eels 38-12

72nd min: NEWS - The Eels playing patient footy with the game signed and sealed in their favour. Glimpses of the Cowboys flair are showing through but luck just isn't on their side today

74th min; TRY - EELS Widders grabs a double this afternoon after Cayless was over the line but unable to dot down the ball. Burt from out in front, adds 2 more points. Eels 44-12

77th min: TRY - EELS The floodgates are well and truely opened. Set up by Hindmarsh the and youngster Tim Smith, McKinnon had nothing but air in his way to the line. Burt makes the half century for the home side. Eels 50-12

FULLTIME: The day belongs to the Parramatta Eels. Wrell done and well played. 50-12 the final score

----------------------------------------- Leagueunlimited.com players of the match: 3 - T Smith(Eels) 2 - W McKinnon(Eels) 1 - F Moi Moi(Eels) -----------------------------------------