It is with many thanks to Parrathruandthru that we present these notes from today’s trials. A medical issue prevents my attendance and our good friend of the Throw is sending these updates.

This is also an all day event with four grades, kicking off at two hour intervals. That might impact how and when the match details are updated.

Please note, some or all grades will be operating without public team lists, and the conditions at Cabramatta are quite stifling today.

It is also likely that kicks for goal won’t be taken.

 

Lisa Fiaola Cup

Parra open the scoring after 15 minutes with a 60 metre try initiated by the halfback. The Eels number 3 finishes the try.

End of first Quarter

Another Parra try, this time off the re-start. Impossible to identify the try scorer.

Its now three tries to the Eels after a 50 metre try that sees the Eels number 9 cut through the line then step the Dogs fullback.

The Eels are making a strong impression as they get over again to make it four tries to nil. This time the Eels fullback puts the centre over after a backline sweep to the left.

The Dogs have clawed one back with their winger touching down in the corner.

A sequence of penalties piggy-backs the Dogs downfield and they plant the ball between the posts. Could have been an obstruction with their half running behind the lead runner.

Eels four tries to two.

End of Second Quarter

Looks like a lot of changes to the Eels team. The Bulldogs side now appears to have a size advantage.

A penalty sets the wheels in motion for a Dogs try in the opening set, and the score is now 4-3.

The size advantage is taking its toll as the Dogs roll through the middle for three consecutive  tries. They take a six tries to four lead!

Three Quarter Time

Parra have begun the final quarter with a try next to the posts. It’s now five tries to six.

Two more tries to the Eels, an Eels middle forward has scored adjacent to the posts and it’s been followed with a try from the kick off. That’s the Eels taking the lead seven tries to six.

The Bulldogs now strike back after a Parra error from the kick off gifts them possession.

Parra go close towards the end, getting pulled down one metre out in an attacking play but unfortunately lose possession.

Full time Eels 7 tries, Bulldogs 7

The Eels were unlucky

 

Tarsha Gale Cup

Parra open the scoring with a try in the corner. No further tries in this opening quarter.

Second Third

It appears that this game is being played in thirds. The play has become somewhat scrappy. The Dogs have levelled the score at one try each.

Another try to the Dogs with a strong suspicion of a double movement.

Final Third

Parra equal the scores with a try off a scrum win – the Eels right side half gets the job done.

No further tries are added.

Full time: Eels two tries Bulldogs two tries

 

Harold Matthews Cup

Dogs score after kicking a 40/20. The hooker crosses next to the posts.

The Dogs have dropped a kick, setting up an opportunity for Parra. There’s a shift to the left and the Eels winger scores. That’s one try all.

This is a very physical contest and the Eels look strong.

End of first period of play, one try all,

Second Quarter

Parra commence the scoring with an incredibly acrobatic try off a kick in the corner.

It’s another try to the Eels with a shift to the right for an edge player to score. The Eels now lead three tries to one.

The teams have been trading sets but just before the break our Eels get over next to the posts for a 4 tries to one lead.

Third Quarter

Repeat sets to the Bulldogs on the Eels line and they make Parra pay with a try out wide.

The gap closes even more with back to back tries to Canterbury. The score is Eels 4, Bulldogs 3.

It’s another try to the Bulldogs and they draw level at four tries all.

Parra’s halfback grubbers behind the line and scores. The Eels edge ahead 5-4.

That lead didn’t stay for long. Some ordinary defence allows Canterbury to score beside the posts. It’s 5 all.

Parra are paying the price for a defensive lapse as the siren sounds. The Dogs half dummies and runs and scores. Bulldogs lead 6 to 5.

 

Final Quarter

It appears like a few changes have been made at the break and it’s not a good start for the Eels. A kick to Parra’s corner is fumbled and Canterbury score. They then make it back to back soon after when the Eels winger is trapped in goal off a kick and they get a repeat set. The Dog’s lead is out to 8 tries to 5.

The Bulldogs appear to have the upper hand in the halves and are dominating.

Another Eels error gifts an opportunity for the Dogs which they grab with both hands.

Full time: Bulldogs 9 defeat Eels 5.

 

SG Ball Cup

First blood to the Dogs in the final trial of the day. They’ve backed that up with a relatively soft second try.

Parra puts in a kick right at the end of the first quarter. It’s scrappy but they score off it.

Dogs 2 lead Eels 1 at the end of the first quarter.

Second Quarter

The Eels make an error off a kick to the corner and the Dogs score, stretching their lead to three tries to one.

A few too many handling errors in this half.

Third Quarter

Possession is being turned over quite a bit by both teams. The players must be feeling the heat in what is oppressive conditions.

No more scoring in this quarter with both teams looking to improve their execution.

 

Final Quarter

The .Dogs have extended their lead, tThey charge down an attempted Eels kick and race 40 metres to score. Dogs lead 4 tries to one try.

A bit of quality now from both teams. The Dogs complete the kick off set by finding touch on the last tackle. The Eels follow up with a 40/20 on their set.

Looks like a forward pass has just ended that opportunity for Parra.

The Bulldogs have wrapped this up with a try under the posts. Finally there’s a consolation try from Parra to finish the scoring.

Final Score – Bulldogs 5 tries Eels 2

Once again a huge thanks to Parrathruandthru for delivering the score updates.

 

Eels forever!

 

Sixties