Eels pull off shock victory

The Parramatta Eels have managed to upset premiership favourites the Sydney Roosters 20-12 at Parramatta Stadium.

It was a quick start out of the blocks for the Eels with an early try to Luke Burt to get the scoring underway.

Minutes later Burt crossed for his second and despite the Roosters replying through Minichiello, Burt completed his hatrick in the 23rd minute to keep the momentum firmly with Parramatta.

Peterson scored another try for the Eels before halftime to give them a very strong 20-6 lead at the break.

The second half turned into a tight struggle with the Roosters keeping their hopes alive through a try to Stuart Webb.

It was left to the flamboyant Matt Peterson to score his second try right on fulltime to seal the victory and show that the Roosters are human after all.

Parramatta Stadium Referee: Jason Robinson Video Referee: Sean Hampstead Touch Judges: Allen Foster, Darren Gocher

Scorers: EELS 26 Tries: Burt 3, Peterson 2 Goals: Witt 3/5 defeated ROOSTERS 12 Tries: Minichiello, Webb Goals: Fitzgibbon 1/1, Walker 1/1

By the clock: 0 min: Kick-off!

4th min: TRY - Eels. On the back of an early penalty the Eels managed to cross the line through Luke Burt. Michael Witt converts - Eels 6-0.

7th min: TRY - Eels. With Parramatta dominating possession another try was imminent and Luke Burt crossed for his second in several minutes. Michael Witt converts - Eels 12-0.

14th min: TRY - Roosters. Anthony Minichiello scored an important try to get the Roosters back into the match. Fitzgibbon converts - Eels 12-6.

23rd min: TRY - Eels. Luke Burt continues a great first half with a hatrick. Michael Witt fails to convert - Eels 16-6.

30th min: TRY - Eels. The Parramatta onslaught continues in this first half, this time it's Matthew Peterson that crosses the line. Michael Witt fails to convert - Eels 20-6.

36th min: NEWS - Parramatta have had over two thirds of the possession so far and have made good use of it. Another try for the blue and golds before half time would make it very hard for the Roosters to come back.

40th min: HALF TIME - It's been a dominant first half display by Parramatta, they've had the better of possession and have managed to create a strong 14 point lead through it.

HALF TIME STATS: Score: Eels 20 Roosters 6 Penalties: Eels 2 Roosters 4 Completion: Eels 23/27 Roosters 14/17 Tackles: Eels 179 Roosters 166 Hitups: Eels 96 Roosters 85 Mistakes: Eels 4 Roosters 4

41st min: The second half is underway!

45th min: NEWS - Nathan Hindmarsh is being his usual solid self backing up from Origin being second on the tackle list and topping the hit up list for the Eels.

53rd min: NEWS - Errors in this second half are hampering the Roosters attempt to get themselves back into this match.

58th min: TRY - Roosters. A try to Stuart Webb puts the Roosters right back in the match. Walker converts - Eels 20-12.

67th min: NEWS - We're moving into the back end of the game with the Roosters needing to score at least twice to win.

75th min: NEWS - It looks like time is going to be against the Roosters here. The Eels have hung on well in this second half after their flying start in the first 40 minutes.

80th min: TRY - Eels. Matthew Peterson crosses the try line to cap off a great win for the Eels. Michael Witt converts - Eels 26-12.

80th min: FULL TIME - Against all odds the Parramatta Eels have beaten the much fancied Sydney Roosters in a dominant performance.

FULL TIME STATS: Score: Eels 26 Roosters 12 Penalties: Eels 5 Roosters 9 Completion: Eels 42/51 Roosters 30/41 Tackles: Eels 338 Roosters 336 Hitups: Eels 187 Roosters 169 Mistakes: Eels 10 Roosters 15

----------------------------------------- Leagueunlimited.com players of the match: 3 - L Burt (Eels) 2 - M Peterson (Eels) 1 - M Vella (Eels) -----------------------------------------