Tigers flat, Eels victorious

The Parramatta Eels have won 28-8 against the Wests Tigers in a convincing performance.

As the title suggests there was only one word to describe the Tigers performance and that was flat. Despite putting on first points and having most of the possession in the first half they lacked direction and battled for field position.

In the 22nd minute the Eels racked up their first points for the night. Tigers defenders stood by doing anything but defending as Alex Chan ran 40 metres untouched to score. Chan never looked back and neither did the Eels from that point on.

Debutant Chris Armit scored with his second touch of the ball in first grade and Lee Hopkins followed suit shortly after to take the Eels into the break at 16-4.

Things only got worse for the Tigers in a performance that was slowly deflating. Pat Richards picked up a rolling ball eventually drawing in the fullback and putting Lyons in and under the posts.

The Tigers hit back shortly through a Ben Galea kicked that was dived on by Daniel Fitzhenry. Any thought of a comeback was soon squashed when Hodgson kicked a penalty goal and followed it up with the try of the night totally confusing the Tigers defenders from the scrum.

The last 10 minutes saw scrappy play as the players went through the motions. The result sees the Eels strike up only their second win for the season but a performance that will certainly be heart warming for the fans.

Leagueunlimited?s Player of the Year points: 3 ? J Morris (Parramatta) 2 ? B Hodgson (Parramatta) 1 ? B Galea (Wests)

Scorers: Tigers Tries: Senter, Fitzhenry Goals: Caine 0/3 Eels Tries: Chan, Armitt, Hopkins, Lyon, Hodgson Goals: Hodgson 4/6

By the clock: 0 min: Kickoff!

6th min: NEWS - O'Neill is denied a try by the video ref. Buttner put up a bomb which landed nicely for O'Niell to pick up and score. It was ruled eventually that Beckett of the Tigers who contested the bomb got a hand on the ball knocking on.

15th min: TRY - Tigers. The video ref ruled refs call and Steven Clark awarded the try to Darren Senter who dived over from dummy half after a very good run from Lincoln Withers. Joel Caine kicks a shocker and is unsuccessful with the conversion. Tigers 4-0

22nd min: TRY - Eels. An amazing try with Alex Chan strolling through the Tigers defensive line and running 40 metres to score. Hodgson's conversion is successful - Eels 6-0

30th min: PENALTY GOAL ATTEMPT - Tigers. Joel Caine trying to slot his 250th goal misses an easy attempt for the second time tonight.

38th min: Try - Eels. Chris Armit scores on debut thanks to nice pass from Nathan Cayless. Hodgson's conversion is successful - Eels 12-4

39th min: NEWS - Paul Green is down on the sidelines with knee problems.

40th min: TRY - Eels. Lee Hopkins gets a beautiful over the top ball from Daniel Wagon and charges over on the stroke of halftime. Hodgson's conversion is unsuccessful - Eels 16-4

Halftime: Well the Tigers have had the lion share of possession but thanks to debutant Chris Armitt and Lee Hopkins the Eels carry in a 12 point buffer into break.

41st min: The second half is under way.

45th min: NEWS - Paul Green seems fine as he is on the field for the second half.

52nd min: TRY - Eels. Pat Richards picks up a poor pass and sprints down the sideline and then putts a simple draw and pass on the fullback to see Jamie Lyon stroll under the posts for a try. Hodgson's conversion is successful - Eels 22-4.

55th min: TRY - Tigers. Daniel Fitzhenry scores in the corner chasing a kick from Ben Galea. Joel Caines conversion is unsuccessful - Tigers 22-8.

61st min: PENALTY GOAL - Brett Hodgson slots an easy goal from out in front - Eels 24-8

70th min: TRY - Eels - Straight from the scrum the Eels spread the ball out to Hodgson who scores a sensational solo try darting and weaving and in the end totally confusing the Tigers defense. Hodgson is unsuccessful in converting his own try - Eels 28-8

77th min: NEWS - Some very scrappy play now as the game winds down.

Fulltime: The Eels have achieved a comfortable win over the Tigers. Final score - Eels 28-8.