Knights too good for Parramatta

The Knights have managed to come out on top of the Eels winning 28-14 in front of 20,163 fans at Parramatta Stadium.

Two of the top teams going head to head in a repeat of last year's Grand Final, promised to give the large crowd their money's worth. And that's exactly what they got.

The Knights started out in the first half the way they played the whole game, solid in defence and attack. It did not take long for them to get points on the board when Gidley scored a try in the 7th min.

The Eels were not about to let the Knights get away, with Lyon crossing over just over halfway through the first half, putting the Eels in the lead 8-6

Andrew Johns' kicking game made a difference as usual, and the Knights managed to get a good lead going into halftime, up by 18-8.

The second half turned out to be a little messier in play than the first half, with both teams' defence working overtime.

Parramatta gave away two easy penalties which Johns converted into points.

It was not until the 72nd min that another try was scored in the game.To their credit, the Eels did not give up when McFadden got the better of Johns in a one on one, and went over for the try.

Rudder for the Knights managed to cross the line just before the final whistle.

Once again the Knights have shown the talent they have right through the whole team, with every player stepping up to put in a good performance. The Eels defence was solid, but just could not keep out the Knights for the full 80 minutes.

Best three players on the night:

3 points - Johns (Knights) 2 points - Buderus (Knights) 1 point - McFadden (Eels)

7:30PM, 14 June 2002 Parramatta Stadium - Crowd 20,163 Referee: W Harrigan Eels 14 - Knights 28 Eels 14(Tries: Lyon, McFadden. Goals: Burt 3/3)

Knights 28(Tries: Gidley 2, Buderus, Rudder. Goals: Johns 6/6)