The Dyldam Parramatta Eels Holden Cup side has been defeated 36-12 by the Penrith Panthers at Pepper Stadium after a dominant display from the leading Under 20s side.
It was a tough night at the office for the Eels up against the top-of-the-table Panthers, who showed both their defensive prowess and their strength in attack.
The Eels were unlucky not to score first, with captain Alex Twal making two line breaks and came devastatingly close to the line, only to be held up on one occasion and assist fullback Bevan French who was unable to get the ball down.
The Panthers began their scoring through prop Stanton Albert after a swift inside pass from hooker Soni Luke, converted by second-rower Corey Harawira.
Quick hands from the Panthers’ outside backs Dylan Edwards and Brent Naden assisted Fuimanu Enese over the left edge in the 25th minute.
Three minutes later Luke set up his second try of the night, with prop Maliko Filino picking up another handy pass to score under the posts.
Luke then scored himself after stepping around the Eels defence, bringing the halftime score to 22-0.
The Panthers maintained the pressure in the second term, with prop Moses Leota and winger Christian Crichton crowding the white stripe.
Eels winger Abbas Miski scored two late tries to add some respect to the scoreline, converted by Nathan Davis.
Thomson Tuigimala scored on the buzzer for the Panthers, with the final score 36-12.
Penrith Panthers 36 (Albert, Enese, Filino, Luke, Leota, Crichton, Tuigimala tries, Harawira 4 goals)
def.
Parramatta Eels 12 (Miski 2 tries, Davis 2 goals)
