Tigers move to sixth after
disposing of disappointing Eels

The Wests Tigers have run out convincing 33-6 winners over a disappointing Parramatta side at Leichhardt Oval this afternoon. The match was played in sparkling conditions in front of a record Wests Tigers crowd of over 18,000 people.

The Tigers always had the match in hand after scoring a great try in the opening minute of play through a try to Luke Covell. Even though the Eels tried hard, you'd have to be an eternal optimist to believe Parramatta can turn their season around in the wake of todays loss. If not for Nathan Hindmarsh, the score could have been a fifty plus hiding.

Full credit to the Tigers though, who never took their foot off the pedal with many players having outstanding games, including Brett Hodgson, who is playing the best football of his career. Luke Covell, a player who has struggled to cement a place in the top side this year made every post a winner, scoring three tries in a fine display and his effort will no doubt give coach Tim Sheens plenty to think about. Michael Witt was the lone Eels tryscorer and he converted his own try although the Eels did murder three golden opportunities to bridge the gap.

The Tigers now find themselves in sixth spot after todays win, which continues a three match winning streak after wins over the Raiders and Bulldogs in the past fortnight. The Eels have slumped to twelfth spot after recording their fifth consecutive loss and the Eels fans will be baying for blood during the week.

Leagueunlimited.com players of the match: 3 - Scott Prince (Tigers) 2 - Luke Covell (Tigers) 1 - Nathan Hindmarsh (Eels)

Scorers: WESTS TIGERS 33 Tries: Covell x 3, Marshall, Mears, Elford. Goals: Hodgson 4/7, Prince FG. defeated EELS 6 Tries: Witt Goals: Witt 1/1

By the clock: 1st min: We are underway at Leichhardt with a big crowd on a beautiful Sydney afternoon.

1st min: TRY - Tigers. Shocking start for the Eels with a try to Luke Covell after a long break by Shane Elford. The Tigers spread it wide after a great covering tackle by Nathan Hindmarsh. Conversion successful. Tigers 6-0.

5th min: John Skandalis has already made five hitups in the first three sets of six. The Eels are yet to touch the ball and now a penalty to the Tigers. Conversion succesful. Tigers 8-0.

9th min: TRY - Tigers. Luke Covell scores off a Benji Marshall chip. The Eels defence failed to scramble as the Eels right had side defence goes to pieces. Conversion unsuccessful. Tigers 12-0.

11th min: Michael Witt kicks the ball dead on the full from the restart as things go from bad to worse for the woeful Eels.

15th min: The Eels are settling into the game but are yet to really challenge the Tigers defence in any way, shape or form.

18th min: The Eels have got their first repeat set of six after some sustained pressure. Can the Eels get themselves back into the match?

25th min: The Eels have had all the possession but have failed to mount any pressure on the Tigers who are in cruise control at the moment.

30th min: The Eels held the Tigers out but are still struggling to get out of their own half.

35th min: Still no change in the scores as the Tigers mount some pressure but it comes to nothing. If the Eels can go in 12-0 down at the break they will think all is not lost. If the Tigers score again, the floodgates could open and the pressure on Brian Smith will continue to dog the Eels coach.

39th min: The Tigers are right on the Eels line. Can the Eels hold on? We're off to the video ref after Benji Marshall claimed a try after Luke Covell knocked the ball back to Benji Marshall.

40th min: TRY - Tigers. Video ref Paul Simpkins gives the green light to the Benji Marshall try and now go into the half time break with a big mountain to climb in the second half. Conversion successful. Tigers 18-0.

Here we go for the second half. Can the Eels get back into the contest and gain some respect or will the Tigers inflict more pain on the Eels?

41st min: Chris Thorman has lost the ball over the Tigers line, bombing a deadset try.

46th min: TRY - Tigers. Luke Covell gets a hat trick and it's good night for the Eels as four players fell off Covell to let him score, not to mention the Eels have bombed two easy scoring chances. Conversion successful. Tigers 24-0.

56th min: The Eels are pressing the Eels line but are still to cross the stripe. Time is running out for the Eels and the result looks to be a forgone conclusion.

59th min: FIELD GOAL - Tigers. Scott Prince makes sure the result is safely in the bag. Let's see how the Eels react. Tigers 25-0.

64th min: TRY - Tigers. Things are starting to get embarrassing for the Eels. Conversion unsuccessful. Tigers 29-0.

67th min: TRY - Eels. Consolation try to Michael Witt, who runs from dummy half to cross under the sticks to give the scoreline some respectability. Conversion successful. Tigers 29-6

70th min: TRY - Tigers. Video ref has had a fairly quiet day and is asked to adjudicate on another Tigers try. Paul Simpkins gives the green light and the Tigers are looking good. Conversion unsuccessful. Tigers 33-6.

77th min: Not much happening as the game limps to a close. Brian Smith faces a very tough week as the calls for his sacking will only intensify. The Tigers consolidate their spot in the top eight and leap frog the Dragons in the process.

FULL TIME: Congrats to the Tigers who are showing they are not going to lie down this year and have put themselves in a position to make a strong run through the representative season. The Eels fans on the other hand will be baying for blood but it remains to be seen what steps the Eels management will take to appease their long suffering fans.