Round 14
Parramatta Eels 20 d. St.George-Illawarra Dragons 12

2007 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Eels too good for Dragons
Sun June 17, 2007
Parramatta have moved into 3rd position after defeating the Dragons 20-12 in a tough match at Parramatta Stadium earlier today.

The first half only saw one penalty goal as both sides having opportunities to put a try on the board with only good defence and poor options being the reason for the lack of tries.

Luke Burt scored the only points of the first half when he landed a 32nd minute penalty goal after the Eels had previously turned down two opportunities to gain a certain two points such is the genius of Burt's left boot.

St George Illawarra came out the better side in the opening exchanges of the second half and were desperately unlucky when Ben Ellis was disallowed a try for double movement. It wasn't a clear cut decision, however, the Dragons should have taken the two points when they were on offer.

The first try of the match was scored in the 49th minute when Tom Hewitt scored after the ball was snatched out of the Eels hands following a kick across the field. Jamie Soward converted the try for the Dragons to lead 6-0.

Parramatta were sparked into action following the Hewitt try and Jarryd Hayne scored in the corner in the 57th minute when the Eels got the numbers outwide. Burt who is surely rising in his status as a footballer and goal kicker landed a never in doubt conversion from the sideline to regain the Eels lead.

Eric Grothe sealed the match for the Eels in the 70th minute following a great break from Nathan Hindmarsh where Josh Morris tackled him just short of the line. With the Dragons defence scattered Tim Smith kicked across the field where it bounced perfectly for Grothe with no one around him. Burt had little trouble adding the conversion with the Eels up 14-6.

Krisnan Inu rubbed salt into the Dragons wounds moments later when he jumped above the pack to claim a try from a pinpoint bomb and Burt's conversion put the Eels up by 14 points.

Soward scored a great individual 50m try in the final seconds and landed a fine sideline goal to bring the final scoreline to 20-12 the Dragons way.

It was a good match to attend after a five-year boycott of Parramatta Stadium due to the Hill's going as both sides played with of passion and on occasions a few flare ups occured, which is something the NRL wants to rub out, yet the crowds always love a stink. As for the venue itself - one part of the ground can't see the scoreboard due to the advertising boards, the staff were full of themselves and the ground is not the same as it once was. Still though, the crowd played their part showing how important a good home advantage is as the Eels convincingly won the penalty count 10-4.



Hewitt returns from injury to face Eels
Tue June 12, 2007
Source: www.dragons.com.au

Winger Tom Hewitt returns to the NRL team for the match against the Eels this Sunday at Parramatta Stadium after missing seven weeks with a hamstring injury suffered in his NRL debut.

Hewitt, 21, has been named on the wing shifting Hurstville United junior Chase Stanley to the centres where he will partner Matt Cooper who returns from Origin duties.

In other changes to the team, Beau Scott moves into the back row replacing Danny Wicks, Dan Hunt has been named on the interchange replacing the suspended Adam Peek and Corey Payne returning from suspension has also been named on the five-man bench.

Unavailable Dragons are: Mark Gasnier (Pectoral), Wes Naiqama (Knee), Dean Young (Knee), Ben Hornby (Calf), Brett Morris (Shoulder), Ashton Sims (Knee), Mathew Head (Shoulder) and Adam Peek (Suspension).

NRL v Parramatta Eels
2.00pm Sunday 17 June
Parramatta Stadium

Coach: Nathan Brown

1. Josh Morris
2. Jason Nightingale
3. Chase Stanley
4. Matt Cooper
5. Tom Hewitt
6. Richard Williams
7. Jamie Soward
8. Justin Poore
9. Simon Woolford
10. Jason Ryles (c)
11. Beau Scott
12. Chris Houston
13. Ben Creagh

Subs:
14. Dan Hunt
15. Ricky Thorby
16. Lagi Setu
17. Ben Ellis
18. Corey Payne
(one to be omitted)

Premier League v Parramatta Eels
12.00pm Sunday 17 June
Parramatta Stadium

Coach: Steven Price

1. Ronald Prince
2. Rota Setu
3. Frank Samia
4. Keith Lulia
5. Sam Morath
6. Reece Blayney
7. Brad Davidson
8. Charlie Leaeno
9. Tony Caine
10. Danny Wicks
11. Ryan Powell (c)
12. Sam Isemonger
13. Matt Prior

Subs:
14. Casey Ellis
15. Pat Rosser
16. Nick Doig
17. James Jimenez
18. Brian West
19. Ricardo Young
(two to be omitted)

News sent by: www.dragons.com.au

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