Two tries to youngster Bevan French has helped the Dyldam Parramatta Eels seal a last minute 14-11 victory over the Sydney Roosters to remain in the hunt for the finals of the 2016 Downer NRL Auckland Nines.
The Eels got off to a strong start, with Semi Radradra running out wide and skipping past the Roosters defence, before passing out to French.
He raced 30 metres to score his first try of the tournament and put the Blue and Gold ahead 4-0.
Centre Vai Toutai had another chance for the Eels after crashing down in the corner but ruled a no try by the referees.
The Roosters returned fire with an incredible behind-the-back offload from Joseph Manu, landing in the hands of Latrell Mitchell who scored in the corner.
In the second half, skipper Corey Norman made a break and ran around the Roosters edge, passing out wide to the left to Semi who ran half the field to score in the corner.
The conversion was successful with the Eels up 10-4.
The Eels continued to apply pressure in defence, with the Roosters coughing up the ball when they were almost certain to score, with French running diagonally down the field to chase down a line break.
Latrell Mitchell scored his second try for the Roosters to even the scores.
The Roosters nudged ahead with Braith Anasta winding back the clock to kick a field goal with just two minutes to go.
The kick-off following the reset saw the Roosters pulled up for Shaun Kenny-Dowall being offside, which provided the chance the Eels needed.
The Eels maintained composure with French receiving the ball passed out wide to the right, crossing for his second try of the game to put the score 14-11.
