Eels survive spirited Tigers fightback

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Wests Tigers v Parramatta Eels

The Parramatta Eels have survived a brave comeback from the winless Wests Tigers to claim the chocolates on Easter Monday by 28-22 in front of a big crowd at Accor Stadium.

It was a match that both sides simply had to win. The Tigers needed to avoid starting the year 0-6 while the Eels were looking to rebound after a rough opening five weeks to the season which saw them net just one win.

The Tigers dominated possession in the opening exchanges and generally had the better of play. However, their execution left a lot to be desired and was left to come up empty after numerous attacking raids. Parramatta only needed one chance and they were rewarded with the first try after going through a lot of goal-line defence. Mitch Moses angled back across the ruck with a clever inside grubber kick, Dylan Brown was on the spot to offload it to Clint Gutherson and the Eels crossed first and got the early 6-0 cushion.

Off the ensuing set, Parramatta marched down the field on the ensuing set and off the back of a six again, the Eels crossed for their second. It was another pin-point kick from Moses which was collected by Will Penisini and Parramatta had their second. Some possession swung back to the Tigers but their attack can only be described as diabolical, but some luck soon turned their way. Starford To'a pounced on a loose pass from Mitch Moses and ran 70 metres to cross for their first try and the gap was cut in half.

Just when you thought the Tigers play was turning around. Their sequence in the red zone in the final portions of the second half has to be seen to be believed. After some enterprising and bizarre final plays, the Eels got the ball in attacking field position and were duly rewarded for their patience. Moses put another grubber on the toe and Bryce Cartwright was jolly on the spot to give the Eels an 18-6 half-time lead.

After a weight of possession to start the second half. Moses threw a magic pass to Maika Sivo and To'a piggybacked Sivo into the in-goal and the big Fijian crossed first to add to the two-converted try cushion. Wests hit back four minutes later. Luke Brooks threw a great cut-out ball to Tupou who raced down the sideline before linking up with AJ Kepaoa and the Tigers get back into the contest.

After the game has turned into a lull. Junior Tupou took matters into his own hands with a big break up the field. A quick switch of play involving Luke Brooks and Doueihi linked in John Bateman and Brent Naden crosses out in the right corner and with Doueihi's conversion. Wests were only trailing by 6 points with the game in the balance. They were able to get to within two after clever ball playing from the Penrith duo of Apisai Koroisau and Charlie Staines who link up with Tupou to cross in the corner.

The Tigers were coming to get them but an unfortunate error from Staines gave the Eels their chance and they struck while the iron was hot. Parramatta created second phase through Ryan Matterson and Gutherson and it's Sivo who collected his second of the day and Moses collected a goal off the upright to give the Eels a match-winning lead. Despite a late penalty goal from Brooks giving the Tigers hope. It was all in vain as Parramatta escaped to collect win two of the season.

For the Eels, it's a big escape from a trap game that could've easily stumped them. For the Tigers, they are 0-6 heading into the bye. They also have potentially serious injuries to Naden (broken collarbone) and Doueihi (knee - potential ACL).