Eels find rare consistency over a spirited Green Machine

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Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels

The Parramatta Eels have won back to back matches for just the second time this season, downing the Canberra Raiders in a classic game of football 28-20 at GIO Stadium.

It was a back and forth game in the opening exchanges as both sides fought to control the game. It was the Green Machine who crossed for the first try inside the opening ten minutes when Parramatta failed to take a Jamal Fogarty bomb and an urgent Seb Kris dived on the footy to cross for the opening try and the early lead. 

After a penalty coming out of yardage led to Parramatta crossing in bizarre circumstances, a great take from Bailey Simonsson saw his pass blocked by Xavier Savage which found Will Penisini and the young centre crossed to get the Eels back to level pecking.

Five minutes later, the Eels were in again as Dylan Brown continued his great start to the season by hitting and spinning out of a Josh Papalii tackle to cross for the Eels and with Moses converting his halves partners try, the Eels were up by six. But, Parramatta's inconsistent play reared its ugly head just two minutes later. A sloppy penalty saw Canberra march upfield, Jordan Rapana was tackled inches short, before Elliot Whitehead crashed over to bring the scores level.

Eight minutes later, the Eels crashed over again when Bailey Simonsson caught a lovely pass from Clint Gutherson and the former Raider crashed over in the corner, however, Mitch Moses shanked the kick. Right on half-time, a Jamal Fogarty bomb was dropped by Gutherson and Kris was jolly on the spot to pick the ball and cross for the Green Machine, who celebrated with a great dance. Fogarty kicked the goal and Canberra went into the dressing sheds up by two at half-time.

Canberra's second half started strongly, but they have an early nomination for the worst decision of the season. They went for two when they had all the ball and momentum. Regardless, Fogarty nailed it and Canberra was up by four. Canberra was struggling to hold the lead, against the run of play, Dylan Brown turns momentum with a great run. Moses passes to Niukore onto Paulo before a lovely ball sees Bailey Simonsson cross in the corner. 

Moses converted to give Parramatta a two-point lead. In the final 20 minutes, Shaun Lane broke through the line, it looked like he passed the ball early to Dylan Brown but he beat the tackle of Xavier Savage to cross for the Eels, Moses converted to seal the 8 point margin.

Canberra will take on the Roosters next week at home, while Parramatta has a well-earned bye.