Eels still alive in finals race

The Parramatta Eels have kept their slim playoff hopes alive with an impressive 48-18 win over the New Zealand Warriors at Parramatta Stadium this evening.

The Eels must win their remaining two games against the Panthers and Roosters and hope the results of other matches go their way but you never know, the Eels may produce the impossible and make an unlikely appearance in the finals.

The Eels were always in control with Michael Witt bagging a personal haul of 24 points to improve the Eels for and against, a crucial factor which may determine who makes it and who misses out.

The Warriors had little to play for and are still in a battle for the wooden spoon and against the Eels they made far too many errors to ever get a look in. Tony Kemp has a huge task on his hands to keep his team motivated for the remainder of the season.

With both the Cowboys and Tigers losing and the Raiders facing an insurmountable task against the Roosters tomorrow, the Eels spirits will be lifted with two successive victories and the knowledge they are alive for another week at least.

EELS 48 Tries: Petersen, Witt x 2, McKinnon, Graham, Hopkins, Webster, Tsoulos. Goals: Witt 8/9 defeated

WARRIORS 18 Tries: Martin, Hohaia, Villasanti Goals: Faumuina 3/3

By the clock: 1st min: We are underway at Parramatta Stadium.

3rd min: TRY - Eels. The Eels get the early try through Matt Petersen. Conversion unsuccessful. Eels 4-0.

8th min: TRY - Eels. Michael Witt extends the Eels lead and lands the conversion to boot. Eels 10-0.

21st min: TRY - Warriors. Tony Martin gets one back for the Warriors midway through the first half. Conversion successful. Eels 10-6.

29th min: TRY - Eels. Wade McKinnon puts the Eels in the drivers seat once again. Conversion successful. Eels 16-6.

35th min: TRY - Eels. Ashley Graham keeps the Eels faint finals hopes alive as the Eels set about improving their for and against. Conversion successful. Eels 22-6.

41st min: We are off and running for the second forty.

48th min: PENALTY GOAL - Eels. Parramatta edge further ahead with a goal to Michael Witt. Eels 24-6.

53rd min: TRY - Warriors. Lance Hohaia gets one back for the Warriors. Conversion successful. Eels 24-12.

63rd min: TRY - Eels. Michael Witt continues to pile on the points against the Warriors with another try. Conversion successful. Eels 30-12.

68th min: TRY - Eels. The rout continues with Lee Hopkins crossing the stripe this time. Conversion successful. Eels 36-12.

70th min: TRY - Warriors. Consolation try to Richard Villasanti. Conversion successful. Eels 36-18.

73rd min: TRY - Eels. James Webster takes the Eels past forty and gives their for and against a massive boost with two rounds left to play. Conversion successful. Eels 42-18.

78th min: The carnage continues with another try to the Eels, this time Justin Tsoulos. Conversion successful. Eels 48-18.

----------------------------------------- Leagueunlimited.com players of the match: 3 - M Witt (Eels) 2 - D Wagon (Eels) 1 - N Hindmarsh (Eels) -----------------------------------------