The Bulldogs are kicking off to start this Round 2 clash. Parramatta work towards their right edge in their first possession. Nice hands before the line nab a fast play the ball which sees Pottinger jump out of dummy half to set up the clearing kick. The Eels send up the midfield bomb and the Dogs lose the ball in the contested catch! Terrific start for the home team.

Doueihi does tremendously well to beat a strong tackle from the scrum win and find support. Gee Pottinger shows some brilliant strength there! The Eels work their way into the red zone following that scrum and Pottinger takes the ball out of dummy half once again. The defenders catch her before the line but she pushes through them and forcibly grounds the ball despite the attention of at least three tacklers.

Try scored by Ashlee Pottinger. Conversion successful by Alysha Bell.

Eels lead 6-0

4min gone

Frustrating error after points there. The Eels spill the catch from the kickoff and compound the error by playing at the loose ball from an offside position. Penalty to the Bulldogs.

Canterbury tap and play to their left finding their backrower Vakacavu. Some good foot speed from their prop Nella Lima threatens to cause some issues in a switch of play to Parramatta’s left edge but a sloppy play the ball gifts the home team possession.

Becket feeds the scrums and the Eel break to their right. Strong initial carry allows Pottinger to scoop and go, feeding a short ball to Bamblett who earns a penalty for a slow ruck. Tap and go for the Eels as Pottingers links up with Ruby Jean Kennard. Quality carry from the bookend there. Terrare and Atoa power the bull up the middle  before miscommunication on the last sees Summah Terare get a second carry this set only to turn the ball over on tackles.

Huge shot here for the Eels now! The referee has found an obstruction from the visitors and Jean-Kennard taps and tears into the line. She is met by strong defence but a good play the ball sets up Parramatta for a blitz down their left edge and quick hands finds club debutante Rosemarie Beckett with time and space and she slides over!

Try scored by Rosemarie Beckett. Conversion successful by Alysha Bell.

Eels lead 12-0

10min gone

Some bold and adventurous play down the left edge of the Eels nearly unleashes Jacinta Tui from the kickoff but she is collared high and brought down hard. The referee is on it immediately and signals a penalty for a high shot as Parramatta surge downfield with all the momentum.

Ruby Jean-Kennard is getting through a mountain of work here as she steams through the middle again. Parra work to their left in her wake as Beckett shifts the ball to a sweeping Doueihi but the fullback is met as the ball arrives and loses control of the pill.

Disciplined defence from the Blue & Gold now. Letting the Bulldogs work the ball from side to side without conceding any advantage. The Bulldogs get to their first kick of the game and kick to their right winger but the Eels can comfortably let the ball bounce and roll into touch.

Eels possession 10m off their goal line. Tui and Lio work hard early in the set for the home team and win a penalty. Lio taps and goes to take a further 15m away before a second penalty falls to the Eels for a strip in a heavily contested tackle. Atoa plays at the line to Jean-Kennard and the roll on continues next play as Tahleisha Maeva falls over the advantage line but an incorrect play the ball is penalised and the Eels let the Bulldogs off the hook.

Maeva finds a bit of redemption in the next set with a punishing tackle that wins back momentum for the home team and on the next play the powerhouse Canterbury prop Niki drops the ball.

Pottinger takes another scoot and is followed next tackle by Jean-Kennard. No surprise to see either of those two toiling away. Bamblett shows and goes down the right and makes a half break before looking to offload to Lio. The pass is good but the centre can’t control it and again the Dogs are given a let off.

Better play from Canterbury in this possession. The play through the ruck before using their left edge with some clean passing but the sliding defence of Parramatta engulfs them and drives the ball into touch.

Beckett imitates Bamblett down her own edge with a neat show and go that nearly splits the defensive line. She looks for the around the corner offload but it is batted down by a defender and deflected into touch. The Eels will retain the ball and come centrefield for the play the ball.

Kasey Quye is on to relieve Pottinger at dummy half and she has a scoot from dummy half after another carry from Ruby Jean-Kennard. She passes as she is hit and the referee allows play to carry on. 50/50 call there as Quye’s pass could have been rules forwards. The Eels dive on it and from there they play to their left looking to emulate their second try with quick hands once again. Beckett rifles a cut out pass to Ameena Kanj, sailing close to the find with the forward pass, but regardless Kanj can’t bring it in and the ball goes to the Bulldogs.

A busy set takes Canterbury downfield all the way to Parra’s red zone where they put in a dangerous attacking kick down the right edge. This one takes a terrific bounce for the Bulldogs but it is dropped cold! A huge chance to hit back on the scoreboard goes begging there. think it was Bree Stone with the hands of stone there.

Bamblett nearly slices through again down the right edge and she is heavily involved in this set as she nearly puts Petesa Sio over but a sloppy pass from Pottinger on the goal line results in a knock on. A penalty quickly follows for the Dogs as they get the opportunity to fly downfield 5min before the break. Eels need to stay strong in defence here.

Play resumes after the touch finder and Tapuai takes the first carry for the Dogs. Lima centres the ball and is cut down bu Quye. Right edge shift now as Soliola finds Mati-Leifi. The Bulldogs come back to the posts to set up the last tackle. Tapuai the option there. Will they go for the kick? No! They play short looking to crash over under the uprights but the Eels are well set and the ball is lost in contact.

Gee that is a powerful charge from Maeva. Doueihi is absolutely hammered on the next tackle but to her credit holds onto the ball. Parramatta clear the ball early and drive it downfield but the fullback Sekitoga does plenty of damage with a scything kick return that sets the Dogs up for a crack in the red zone. Desperate scrambling defence down Parra’s right edge somehow keeps out the winger Spackman and brings up the last where chaos reigns for the Dogs as they shift the ball to their prop Elisa Nikki who puts in a panicked kick that rolls dead.

Now a penalty for Parramatta for a highshot. They tap and go as they work the ball simply downfield. They get deep into their set before a scoot from Kanj results in the ball jolted loose but thankfully there is only time for a play or two for the Bulldogs and the Eels are up to the task as they hold out.

Half Time

Parramatta Eels 12 lead the Canterbury Bulldogs 0

Second Half

The Bulldogs receive the kick off and put together a strong set. They muster the ball over halfway and hoof up a bomb that is expertly defused by Alysha Bell. Lio rucks it out on the second and is followed by Bamblett who earns a penalty as she is cut down by offsider markers. Jacinta Tui gets the ball from the dap before an outside inside play to Doueihi lets the fullback gain good metres up the middle. Atoa carries the ball and gets an offload away to Lei-Lani Tua. Quye and Maeva take carries next with the latter going painfully close to crashing over. It brings up the last and a bit of white line fever engulfs Kasey Quye as the dummy half tries to crash over but she is quickly tackled.

The message given to the Dogs at half time seems to have been to be more aggressive and adventurous. They put that into action this set with a string of offloads and late passes that knock the Eels onto the backfoot. It culminates with the Bulldogs seeming crossing in the corner via Bree Stone following a line ball pass from the fullback Sekitoga but a late call from the touch judge confirms that the ball travelled forwards. Terrific set from Canterbury regardless of the result. They are certainly going to push our girls this half.

The Dogs receive a penalty early in their next possession due to an offside marker. Niki gets the set underway with a big carry and from there they go back to their right edge as their backrower Vakacavu feasts on the free time and space to suck in several defenders and then slip an overhead offload to Stone who dives over. This has been brewing since the start of the second half and the Dogs are rewarded for their positive intent with their first points of the game.

Try scored by Bree Stone. Conversion unsuccessful by Abigayle Sekitoga.

Bulldogs trail 4-12

40min gone

Canterbury continue to push the envelope with late passes at the line and aggressive offloading. Parramatta rally defensively this set and eventually regain possession via a double knock on that goes against the visitors.

Kataline Vave and Ruby Jean Kennard simplify the set early on before Bamblett nearly slides through again! Gee she is a smooth runner. To the left now for the Eels as Beckett tries to apply the pressure on the ground with a kick but some brilliant hands from the lock Soliola turns the tables. She then turns the catch into a counterattack with a weaving 20m carry. The Dogs surge downfield from there as the Eels hold on by the skin of their teeth. A late penalty for a ruck infringement from Jean-Kennard puts the blowtorch on the home team and the pressure proves to be too much as the interchange forward Afeni Tabuai-Salee carries three defenders over down Parramatta’s left edge to cross in the corner.

The Eels have to arrest the momentum of the game here and now because the Bulldogs are a real chance of running away with it all given how they are playing.

Try scored by Afeni Tabuai-Salee. Conversion unsuccessful by Abigayle Sekitoga.

Bulldogs trail 8-12

44min gone

Is that the break the Eels needed? An unforced error by Canterbury in their own half gives Parramatta a chance to half the unfettered charge of the visiting team.

Petesa Lio takes the run from the scrum. Jena-Kennard does brilliantly to catch a shocking pass from Quye before Vave gets in behind the ruck. Simply but effective staff here as Bamblett carries the ball down the right beating the first defender again before she is halted. Beckett scoops up a bounce pass on the last and kicks crossfield the left where Tui is taken in the air for a huge penalty.

The Eels gets bogged down trying to storm over down their left edge for three or so tackles before a penalty for a high shot comes only for a mistake to follow from the tap. Geez that hurts. Hang on now the Bulldogs turn it over! Pure chaos here. Ruby Jean-Kennard and Vave take the early run before a right shift gets the pill to Lio who is well tackled. Beckett is contained on the next play which sees Bamblett take control. The five-eighth instigates a shift to Ruby Jean-Kennard who stands strong through contact and slips a brilliant offload to Tahleisha Maeva for the try! Goodness the home team needed that and it is fitting that Jean-Kennard provides the spark given how well she has played today.

Try scored by Tahleisha Maeva. Conversion successful by Alysha Bell.

Eels lead 18-8

52min gone

For the second time today the Eels can’t get to their kick following points. It gives the Bulldogs an outside chance at a comeback as they need to score 10 points or more in 7 or so minutes.

The visitors go back to the well that is their right edge and look to overpower the Eels with crash balls but Parramatta’s left edge soak up all the pressure and force the turnover on tackles. My oh my there are some self inflicted wounds this half though as the Blue & Gold immediately turn the ball back over the first which leads to a line drop out. Canterbury have to score in this set though if they are to threaten Parramatta’s 10-point lead.

They do exactly that and it comes as no surprise as the points come via their right edge. Stone bags a double as a sweeping backline movement catches the Eels half a defender short. Bree Stone is eventually met by cover defence but she buries her way over in the corner, narrowly avoiding the sideline. Massive moment in the game.

Try scored by Bree Stone. Conversion unsuccessful by Abigayle Sekitoga.

Bulldogs trail 12-18

57min gone

One set to decide it all really. The Eels need to dig deep defensively. Canterbury play out the early exchanges in this set down their right. Parramatta meet them equally before an offload from Nikki opens up play through the middle. Parra scramble well and kill the half break to bring up the last. Canterbury send up the Hail Mary kick in what could be their final play of the game only for offside chasers to kill any chance.

Good lord the Eels have failed to find touch. That is a straight coach killer. It gets worse as the home team concedes another penalty BUT GOODNESS THE DOGS HAVE DROPPED IT FROM THE TAP RESTART. You wouldn’t believe it if you read a script about it but that is why footy is so amazing. The lords of chaos reign in this one and ultimately the Eels win almost in spite of themselves. That said, an outstanding first half laid the platform for their first victory of the 2022 season but there is plenty to clean up following a sloppy and error prone second stanza.

Full Time

Parramatta Eels 18 defeat the Canterbury Bulldogs 12

As with the Tarsha Gale, Parramatta will receive the ball to start this contest. Good positive intent early on as Matthew Arthur is heavily involved with a nice dart and pass before driving the ball downfield off his boot.

A strong defensive set allows Alameddine to easily clean up the clearing kick from Mitchell Woods before the first penalty of the game falls to the Eels for offside defenders. Brettle uses Sam Tuivati before the ball is shifted to Junior Fagalele on the second. Arthur and Alameddine combine on the third and on the next tackle the ball is brought back to centrefield via Jordan Uta. Arthur works a called shot on the last, it is one of the pet plays in this grade, as he feigns playing to his half and instead turns a steaming Sebastian Piakula back inside. The Bulldogs barely hold him out but do hold on and in doing so get the ball back.

Nothing fancy from the Bulldogs in reply. They need to get out of their own end and do so with a clearing kick from Woods. Parramatta have the early field position advantage and look to press that lead as Blaize Talagi runs it on the last. A nasty little not quite chip kick nearly finds Richard Penisini but some courageous play from the fullback Bronson Reuben saves the day for the visitors.

In Parramatta’s next possession Gabrael and Alameddine provide early impetus before Talagi links up with Brettle who in turn finds his backrower who is hammered by a strong tackle. The fifth tackle kick is charged down by the Eels win a penalty when there is an obvious push in the back in the contest for the ball.

Fagalele has another quality carry down the right edge. Parramatta look to take the ball from coast to coast as they set up Fagalele’s stable mate Michael Gabrael with early down down the left but the sliding defence of the Bulldogs does exceptionally well to drive the centre into touch from a good 6m infield.

There is a bit of a brouhaha in the wake of that tackle and the captains are brought out for a talk. There honestly wasn’t too much there for either team but I don’t mind the referee looking to nip any hostility in the bud early on.

Canterbury continue to keep it simple as they work the ball out of their half and for the first time today they go to their halfback Taumata for the clearing kick. Alameddine has all the time in the world to defuse the end over end kick but a lapse in concentration sees him spill it for a costly error. A penalty goes to Canterbury following their scrum win, largely academic stuff given it was the first tackle, they tap and go and embarrassingly for Parramatta they cross over immediately via their big prop Fanafou Seve. Awful goal line defence from the Eels there has ceded the first points of this game.

Try scored by Fanafou Seve. Conversion successful by Mitchell Woods.

Bulldogs lead 6-0

12min gone

Busy work for the prop Massimo Mari this set. Canterbury lock forward Bailey Myers joins him for a hit up before the Dogs unload down their left edge. Good hands catch the Eels short before Alameddine is penalised for a high shot making the cover tackle down the sideline. Parramatta need to watch out here lest they find themselves two tries down.

And as quick as I type that they have folded. Another error leads directly to joints and it is an early double for the big man Fanafou Seve. This time his dummy half Mohamad Rajab provides a simple short pass in front of the posts and he just dives between flat footed defenders to score. The klaxons are blaring here for the Blue & Gold as the Bulldogs are scoring very, very simple tries.

Try scored by Fanafou Seve. Conversion successful by Mitchell Woods.

Bulldogs lead 12-0

16 min gone

Parramatta finally get their hands on the ball as Alameddine takes a cleaner reception this time around and beats several defenders for a tidy gain. A penalty follows for the Eels as they get a chance to get back into the arm wrestle. Tyson Sangalang starts the set down the left edge but Parramatta quickly pull the trigger on a sweeping right side play. It looks promising but Alameddine’s last pass to a streaking Penisini is intercepted and again the advantage lies with the visitors.

Thankfully the Eels are able to hold on defensively and force the Bulldogs to kick. Alameddine scoops up the bouncing b all and sends his flanker Luke Maroun into the kick chasers.

There is a stoppage in play as the Bulldogs make a change in the backline. We eventually get back to the action as Funa-Iuta and Sangalang roll up their sleeves. Talagi’s clearing kick is charged down and that quickly escalates into a penalty as an offside Eel dives for the ball. Canterbury immediately take the foot off the throat when they fail to find touch as a well positioned Richard Penisini comfortably swallows up the attempted touch finder.

The Eels can not complete a set to save themselves though as young Arthur coughs the ball up in strong contact just over halfway. Canterbury get the next shot at points following a ruck penalty against the Eels for slowing play down.

Myers takes the ball to the posts for the visitors before Talagi drills the fullback Reuben and for the first time today the Eels show real resilience on the goal line to hold on the crash ball on the last and get the turnover.

Parramatta make tough metres in reply before Talagi looks to flip the field with a booming clearing kick but it sails too deep and gets an unkind bounce to give the Dogs a 20m restart.

A slippery carry from Woods gets the Bulldogs downhill but the Eels scramble well. Woods come back for the last tackle though with a perfectly executed grubber kick that forces Alameddine to bat it dead for a line drop out.

Just over 3min left in the half, they need to hold firm here.

Archie Reilly gets the call for the first hit up. Myers trucks it up on the third as Woods signals a right edge raid. I appreciate the sentiment from Gabrael who makes a strong tackle and looks to drag his opposite into touch but the referee is correct in penalising the play. Momentum had stopped there.

Woods gets overly ambitious in the next set and throws a long Harbour Bridge pass to his winger Pauliasi Sorovi who drops it in the face of heavy pressure.

A penalty gives the Eels sudden impetus as  Funa-Iuta taps and goes before Sangalang nearly splits the Dogs up through the middle. Brettle nearly dances his way over but is pulled down short and that leaves Blaize Talagi to make the final play of the set. He tries to roll it in goals and achieves that outcome but the chase isn’t there and the Dogs ground the ball for a drop out that will never happen as we go to half time.

Half Time

Canterbury Bulldogs 12 lead the Parramatta Eels 0

Second Half

Parramatta will kickoff in the second half. Bold and aggressive start from the Bulldogs as they rumble 90m downfield care of an excellent backline movement that releases their winger Sorovi. Thankfully he produces an error in the play the ball to let a massive chance go begging.

Penisini takes the crash ball from the scrum but Arthur’s pass to Brettle is too far ahead of the halfback and it is grassed. As with last week the Eels are inflicting so much agony upon themselves here.

Brooklyn Tauamata threatens the right edge of the Eels from the scrum but the sliding defence ev eventually cleans him up and on the other side of the field we see Gabrael put plenty of pressure on to force a loss of metreage for the Bulldogs. Canterbury respond with a grubber kick that the Eels can’t contest. It pulls up at the last moment to give the Canterbury chaser a sniff and he makes a play at it but the referee quickly signals that he didn’t have control.

From the 20m restart the Eels pick up a penalty which sees Matt Arthur tap and go. They roll through the middle and if anything shade slightly to the left edge but it breaks down on the last when Arthur is trapped at dummy half. Not really sure what the plan was there from the young rake but it gives the Dogs an easy out.

Alameddine is on hand to take the clearing kick from the Dogs. Maroun and Hurford take the early runs. The ball comes back to Hurford to set up the last which he does dutifully. Talagi takes his time to send up the attacking bomb and it is just as well he does because it allows a soaring Richard Penisini to climb the ladder and claim the bomb before he produces an incredible backhand offload to Junior Fagalele despite the attention of a defender. Such brilliance deserves a try and that is exactly what Fagalele provides! The Eels finally answer back.

Try scored by Junior Fagalele. Conversion successful by Mohamed Alameddine.

Eels trail 6-12

39min gone

Sam Tuivati starts the next set. Sangalang steams on to the ball for the second carry but makes a meal of the play the ball. Ooph these errors are just back breaking. Canterbury handed the right of reply to Parramatta’s points.

Abdoulaye Bah takes the first run for the Bulldogs. They work to their right from there where Taumata is wrapped up. Their backrower Lolohea gets in behind the ruck on the third and dances through some lazy arm grabbing defence before he is brought down shy of the line. Alameddine provides a spark from the struggling Eels when he turns defence into attack as he scoops up a grubber kick and sorties 40m downfield. A penalty then comes for Parramatta as the scrambling Canterbury defence can not maintain its discipline.

Parramatta are aggressive early in the next possession as they spin the ball to their left. Gabrael unleashes a mighty fend on the first defender to cross him and looks to slip an offload to Maroun as the cover defence crashes down on him but the touch isn’t quite there and Maroun can’t get his mitts on the forceful offload.

Maroun holds on to the ball the next time it comes his way, this time by way of a clearing kick, and makes a neat gain on his kick return before then picking up a penalty for high contact. A second fracas breaks out as time is called off and officials convene. The Bulldogs get a talking to and it leads to a sin binning! It seems to have been for the reckless use of an elbow in the ruck. What a pivotal moment in this game.

Strong start to the set from Gabrael. Hurford is turned back inside on the third before the left edge shift comes. The Bulldogs read it well and Alameddine is easily picked off. Arthur spies an open space on the last and jags for the line. It honestly isn’t a bad call but the Bulldogs do a cracking job to collapse on him and save the try.

Canterbury make a big inroad from a tap and go penalty. The pace settles down for a few tackles from there before Woods sends up an attacking bomb that falls 3m shy of Parramatta’s goal line. Alameddine does a great job to defuse the kick in a heavy contest but it turns out that the chaser was offside and the Eels get a free piggy back.

Tuivati settles the Eels down after some frenetic second phase play. They work to their left where Alameddine is brought down on an inside play. It opens up a channel for Arthur to impact the game though as he jumps out of dummy half and rolls a kick in behind the left edge short side. Michael Gabrael knows exactly what his dummy half wants and gives hot pursuit, easily claiming the bouncing ball and a try!

Try scored by Michael Gabrael. Conversion unsuccessful by Mohamed Alameddine.

Eels trail 10-12

50min gone

Can the Eels get to their kick in this set? Jordan Uta gives them a fast start and I WILL TELL YOU WHAT THEY WILL DO BETTER THAN GET TO THEIR KICK! A rapid shift to their left on the second unleashes Maroun who then finds Talataina in support who beats the cover defence initially before linking back up with Maroun who blazes 50m downfield to score the go ahead try! Audacious stuff!

Try scored by Luke Maroun. Conversion unsuccessful by Blaize Talagi.

Eels lead 14-12

53min gone

Penisini claims this kickoff. His compatriot in the backline in Fagalele makes a dominant carry as the Eels drive the ball downfield. Arthur completes the set with an inch perfect kick and a scorching kick chase sees Parramatta contest the ball! Was that Talagi? Whoever it was makes a monster play as the ball is knocked out and the Eels seemingly claim a try! The officials converge to make the call and while it won’t be points for Parramatta they will get the scrum feed!

They don’t have to wait long either as some sleight of hand from Arthur gets Sam Tuivati back in behind the ruck and the big man rolls through the contact over the line to get the ball down! Parramatta has made the absolute most of this sin bin advantage.

Try scored by Sam Tuivati. Conversion successful by Mohamed Alameddine.

Eels lead 20-12

56min gone

Piukala and Uta start this possession. Gabrael surges onto an inside ball before Tuivati centres it for the clearing kick. Talagi sums it up nicely and find the grass as his kick chase backs him up neatly. Quality follow up to points.

Canterbury are suddenly struggling for traction here as the Eels man up defensively. They win the contest for a midfield bomb but cheeking anti-support play from Kobi Hurford allows him to intercept an offload.

Arthur takes a dart down the left edge before Talagi sends up a swirling bomb but the Bulldogs defuse it and they will get a final set to somehow produce 8 points.

The markedly improved defence of the Eels continues as they rally in the ruck and a wild offload from the Dogs is eventually knocked on by an Eel – I think it was Talagi – and the visitors slowly set for a scrum. They kick from the set play but Alameddine easily tidies it up and that will just about do us! What a rousing comeback victory from the Eels after a frustrating start to this game! 20 unanswered points sees them close out this and secure their first win of the season.

Full Time

Parramatta Eels 20 defeat the Canterbury Bulldogs 12

For the first time today the Eels will be kicking off to commence a game. Patrick Spence has come into the team at fullback for Arthur Miller-Stephen, otherwise there are no listed changes for Parramatta. Spence is the man to get us underway as Cody Parry and Dom De Stradis combine for the first tackle of the game.

Good structures in action for the Blue & Gold produce a strong defensive set but alas they blink first in their next possession and turn the ball over 10m short of halfway.

O’Neill turns big Bogiso back inside before the Dogs venture down their right edge. A good carry is met by strong defence but the Eels are pinged for slowing down the ruck. A full set of 6 for Canterbury on Parra’s goal line now.

Left initially for the Dogs to their backrower Tuitupou but again the Eels are slugged for a slow ruck. Need to watch the discipline here lest a sin bin comes.

Good read and tackle from Cody Parry. Quicks snuffs out potential trouble down Parramatta’s left edge. Ooph, Nicholas Lenaz slips in front of the posts but thankfully the cover defence is able to pick up the slack. The intensity drops two tackles later as a crash ball from dummy half allows Canterbury to score via a burrow over from Watisoni Bogiso.

Try scored by Watisoni Bogiso. Conversion successful by Jonathan Sua.

Bulldogs lead 6-0

7min gone

The referee is crucifying the Eels for slow rucks as the Bulldogs pick up yet another penalty for that exact reason. Second phase play from the Dogs kicks their offensive effort up a gear. For now Parramatta look to match it but it all nearly comes to a maddening head when Riley Lack makes a complete meal of an attempt to clean up a grubber. He gets nutmegged by the dribbling ball and the Dogs nearly score save for a last second boot from another Eel that sends the pill dead.

Drop out now. More second phase play from Canterbury as they pile on pressure down the Eels’ left. They switch play up as they transition to the other side of the field and it provides the spark they are looking for as William Tuitupou spins through weak first contact and meets Spence at the goal line. The Parramatta fullback tries valiantly to hold the backrower up but the ball is grounded and the Bulldogs consolidate their early lead here.

Try scored by William Tuitupou. Conversion successful by Jonathan Sua.

Bulldogs lead 12-0

12min gone

Weight of possession unsurprisingly proving crucial through the early exchanges here. The Bulldogs kick early to complete the set after points. Spence sees it coming and gives the Eels the advantage in field position. Lack works the ball to Pryke before the ball come back centrefield with Muagututia. Parramatta spin it left looking to post up Parry and Turoa Williams but Parry’s attempt to offload the ball around the corner to his winger only serves to funnel the ball into touch.

Parramatta hold on defensively in the next set. Tutonu Junior Wright spills a contest midfield bomb backwards and Spence is on hand to claim the bouncing ball. Dom De Stradis and Joshua Alzahim work the ball downfield before a Muagututia offload opens play up for Parra. The ball gets to Pryke who takes the tackle. On the last Lack rolls the ball in goals with a well weighted kick but some extraordinarily high risk play from the Bulldogs pays off as a long pass and a reckless offload get them back in the field of play. It was all moot though because the touch judge has penalised Charlie Guymer for an off the ball shoulder charge. He goes on report and the Dogs go downfield. Pryke is called out for a team wide caution due to the amount of penalties conceded.

Great football from both teams in the resultant set! Canterbury work the ball short of Parramatta’s red zone and send up an attacking bomb. Junior Wright loses the contest for the ball and the Dogs get an offload away to their left centre but the cover defence arrives in the nick of time to save the day by centimetres!

Thankfully Parramatta are able to fight to their kick in the next possession as Lack heaves the ball into Canterbury’s half. Much needed territorial relief right there and the defence backs up the kick with a strong set. Spence claims the clearing kick and the team goes on to earn a penalty a tackle later as an opportunity suddenly presents itself for the home squad.

Alzahim and Muagututia shoulder the ball early on. Atoa steams into the line on the third. Great run. To the right now as Lack plays out Spence who find Guymer. The powerful centre spins through the contact ahead of the goal line and looks to slam the ball down but the referee rules that he lost it in the process! What a brutal error for the Blue & Gold.

To make matters worse the Eels then concede a penalty as an offside marker gets involved. Just like that the Dogs go from working it out on their goal line to building towards an attacking set. Joseph O’Neill plays short to Fahmy Toilalo in front of the posts but the interchange forward is over eager to get to his feet and gives away the offensive penalty for an incorrect play the ball.

Pryke and Muagututia are met strongly by the Dogs in the next set before Alzahim makes a big gain. Lots of offloads and short passes from the Eels takes the ball from coast to coast and once again Guymer goes perilously close to scoring. The Dogs pour into the maul though and drive him towards the sideline where the touch judge rules him out. Gee that was close though and he might have been done dirty from my vantage point. Either way the Dogs survive another raid as the Eels are left to ponder what could have been.

Ooh, cheap penalty for Parramatta now as an offside kick chaser from the Bulldogs gifts them the ball inside the Dogs’ half. The touchfinder is a good’un and is followed by a cracking carry from Parry. Sanders uses Dom De Stradis on the second and it is a slow play the ball as the Dogs get away with some spoil tactics. Lack has to dive for an errant pass on the third which wastes a play but it gets worse on the fourth as Markis Atoa spills it cold following some ball play from the big men in front of the posts.

Thankfully the Dogs oblige the Eels to have another crack at their goal line with an unforced error of their own. Spence plays out to Pryke on the first. Right to Lack who links up with a sweeping Spence but the fullback is cut down. Again Lack has to eat a tackle but this time he is the one that slips. Yet again the turnover follows that as the Eels can not maintain their concentration. This is self-flagellation right here.

Well that was amusing. The Bulldogs make a break down their right edge with their centre Moyle. He is hit by a cover defender just as he looks to try and pass to support which results in a pass more akin to American Football than Rugby League as it travels a good 25m forwards.

The humour ends there though as Lenaz is pulled up for a forward pass to De Stradies from dummy half. Free shot at the goal line for the Bulldogs here.

Pryke sets the tone early with a strong hit on Matai before the Eels drive the Dogs backwards outside the 20m mark. Need to maintain the rage here as the Dogs play down their right. Parramatta jerseys are pouring through in an encouraging sign and the Dogs are forced to scramble to get to a kick but that proves to be a critical juncture in the contest as Iverson Matai sends the ball across the field towards his winger Sua. Junior Wright can’t get a good angle to contest the ball and Sua flies above the defence to claim the ball and jinks through to the goal line to score a back breaking try on the stroke of half time.

Try scored by Jonathan Sua. Conversion successful by Jonathan Sua.

Half Time

Canterbury Bulldogs 18 lead the Parramatta Eels 0

Second Half

Well there is a mountain of work for the Eels to do in this second half following a convincing display from Canterbury in the opening stanza. We just saw the Harold Matthews string together 20 unanswered points to produce a rousing comeback so it isn’t beyond reason but there is no margin for error here for our boys.

The Dogs kick off and quickly concede a penalty for what looks to be a crusher tackle. The incident is put on report and play resumes via Turoa Williams. Atoa and De Strasis take the next carries as the Eels play to their right. Lack to Spence again but it is well read and shut down. The ball in centred by Dom De Stradis to bring up the last and a terrific attacking kick nearly nets a try! It was stabbed in behind the right edge of the Dogs and Williams scooped it up only to be stopped centimetres short of the line. Credit to the hustle of the Bulldogs there.

An ounce more of momentum in Parramatta’s next possession when Turoa Williams is collared high on his kick return. Parramatta find touch on their own 30m mark and resume play with Parry. Atoa skittles defenders with a bullish charge but loses the ball as he tries to offload it to support and in the blink of an eye the Bulldogs are back on the attack.

Driving rain has set in now, making conditions difficult to say the least and we see it become a factor immediately as Junior Wright bottles the clean up duties on a bouncing ball.

The Canterbury fullback Papalii skips to the right from the scrum but the Eels track him well. Interchange forward Leafa brings the ball backs to the posts before the ball hits the deck on the next tackle forcing the Dogs to scramble back to clean it up. They get to their last and look to keep it in the hands as their half O’Neill uses his backrower Simons on a crash line. The Eels read it perfectly though and drive the forward into the damp turf for the turnover.

Offside markers helps Parramatta get out of their own end and into Canterbury’s half. That is a great touch finder.

Again Parry starts play from the tap but on the second a poor pass from Sanders to Lack sees the five-eighth grass the ball. Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy.

That is a great read and tackle from Guymer to force the error. Canterbury looked to have the advantage playing down their left edge short side but the Parramatta centre makes the big play on defence.

25min left in this contest as the Eels desperately try to get some traction here. Alzahim takes the first run of the next set and is followed by a brilliant carry from Atoa. Real potential from this unit if he sorts out the handling. Time if swiftly called off for a nasty bit of foul play as a rather deliberate crusher is executed on Ethan Sanders. Think that was Tamarere Simons. He will get a spell in the sin bin for his efforts there and that is probably deserved. No place in the game for that.

Lenaz works to the right with Ibrahim Fakhri but the switch of play to the left results in Alzahim dropping the ball before the line. Maddening errors are consuming the Eels here.

Heart in mouth stuff there as Junior Wright spills a kick backwards following a good defensive set. The Eels learn nothing from the let off as they consequently drop the ball and gift the Bulldogs another chance to ice this game.

Further pressure is heaped on when the Eels get a hand to the attacking kick of the visitors leading to a reset of the tackle count and a full set on Parramatta’s goal line. A lackadaisical play the ball takes the foot off the throat though as the referee declares a scrum to the Eels.

Sanders feeds the scrum and the ball is delivered to Guymer. Muagututia is back on and takes the second charge of the set and it followed up by Dom De Stradis. Alazahim and Lafai round out the set allowing Sanders to clear the ball but Papalii swallows up the kick and punishes a weak kick chase with a strong gain.

Akama and Toilalo ground out the metres for the visitors but Guymer and Lack save the day on the last with a quality tackle. Alas, the Eels turn it over shortly after with an error from dummy half by Ethan Sanders.

Right to Papalii from the scrum once more. Lanyon brings play back to the posts where a penalty for a strip is quickly called. Canterbury take their time making the call on how to resume play and eventually plump for the tap restart. Guymer drags down Lajuan Vito out wide and as the Dogs centre play they are met heavily and the ball is dropped.

16min left here and if the Eels are to mount any sort of comeback it has to start now.

Guymer falls over the advantage line allowing Sanders to drive in an early kick. That is a great kick as well, pinning Papalii near his goal line. Parra need a big defensive stand here to flip the territorial battle and they will force the Dogs to kick from 35m off their line. Good result. Spence adds some early metres with a decent kick return.

Mark Simon nearly drops a simple ruck pass but reels it back in. Muagututia provides a strong carry and is unlucky not to draw a penalty as he is held down. Sanders rolls it in behind to complete the set but Papalii reads it well and has no issue tidying it up.

Huge play from Canterbury in reply as a booming kick turns into a prospective 40/20. Spence does his best to bat it back into the field of play but the officials deem that he knocked it forwards and I think they go it right. Yet another set for the visitors to attack the Parramattta goal line.

They switch things up and work to their left from the scrum, finding Matai. Now it is back to the right where the lock Lanyon is dragged down but a high shot on the next tackle gifts Canterbury an easy 2-points via a penalty goal attempt. They will take their time here and eat up as much time off the clock before pushing their lead out to a four score scenario.

Penalty conversion successful by Jonathan Sua.

Bulldogs lead 20-0

60min gone

It is probably academic at this stage but a comedic outcome from the kickoff sees half and prop both compete for the ball and result in an error. Parramatta set the scrum 10m out in front of the posts and give early ball to Alzahim who beats the first defender and heads back in field. Sanders plays to the line and shows some deft hands to put Larry Muagututia into clean, open space and the first points of the day for the Eels! Time is not their ally here but at least they won’t be shut out.

Try scored by Larry Muagututia. Conversion successful by Ethan Sanders.

Eels trail 6-20

63min gone

Alzahim and Simon muscle up through the middle and give Sanders the time and space to fish for a 40/20. He positively nails it as well! Again the clock is not on their side but they are going to give it a shake here.

Muagututia earns a penalty and wants to tap and go but the referee is delivering an explanation to the Bulldogs. Chaos here as the Eels probably get away with a missed knock on, although the referee was seemingly playing advantage for something else only to not call anything. Right to left and left to right as the Bulldogs put up a wall on either side of the field. Simon slips a messy offload that is ruled to have gone backwards and that brings up the last.

They send it to Sanders who stabs a bomb to the right of the field. Sua, who has been excellent under the high ball, contests the bomb against Guymer but spills it right into the waiting hands of Tutonu Junior Wright and the Eels winger dives over in the corner. Sanders continues his hot run with a cracking conversion attempt from out wide!

Try scored by Tutonu Junior Wright. Conversion successful by Ethan Sanders.

Eels trail 12-20

67min gone

Parramatta still need two scores or an 8-point try in order to cause an improbable draw but you can just about put the line through them as Lance Fualema loses the ball trying to kickstart the set with a massive carry. Canterbury will have the ball with a minute and a half on the clock.

At the very least the Eels hold out on their goal line as they force an error out of Joash Papalii but with 20sec left of the clock we are essentially done here.

Lack turns the ball to Guymer from the scrum and then has a carry himself that nets a penalty and a sin bin for a professional foul. One play versus 12 men for the Eels here to get 8-points. The Eels bizarrely tap and go from the touch finder, clearly not realising the state of the clock and that brings things to a milquetoast conclusion. Canterbury too good today as the SG Ball falls to 0-2 on the season.

Full Time

Canterbury Bulldogs 20 defeat the Parramatta Eels 12