The Dyldam Parramatta Eels have gone through the opening day of the 2015 NRL Auckland Nines undefeated after a nail biting finish in their clash against the Newcastle Knights.
The Eels’ second match of the tournament got off to a flying start when Semi Radradra found open space to charge 70m down the sideline for his opening try of the year in the bonus zone. The Knights replied with a quick try to leave the score 7-4 early on.
The Eels punished the Knights with brutal defence forcing numerous errors in midway through the first half and the points shortly followed. A try to Captain Chris Sandow, who sliced his way through the Knights defence was followed shortly after by his halves partner, Corey Norman, who put the Eels 15-4 in front and looking in control.
However, the Auckland Nines is an unpredictable beast and the momentum swung quickly as the Knights crashed over for a bonus zone try before levelling the scores.
Sandow took control of the match with a minute to go as the halfback put pressure on the Knights defence and forced a drop out from 40m out.
As the match entered into the final seconds, with the scores level, a charging Tepai Moeroa pinned the ears back, and carried two defenders as he slammed the ball on the try line to claim victory, 21 – 15.
The Eels will play the St George-Illawarra Dragons tomorrow at 11:10am (9:10am AEDT).
