The Parramatta Eels have gone two from two on the opening day of the 2017 Downer NRL Auckland Nines claiming a 17-0 victory over the New Zealand Warriors this afternoon (Saturday 4 February, 2017).
A few sets back and forth to start the match kick off proceedings before the Eels earnt a penalty coming out of their own end. Strong runs from forwards David Gower, Nathan Brown and Marata Niukore put the Eels on the front foot before some magic from halfback Corey Norman saw the skipper put through a grubber for flying Bevan French to cross over for a converted bonus-zone try.
A penalty once again saw the Eels on the attack as the touch finder saw the Eels start their set 30m out from the Warriors try line. A shift through the hands saw Honeti Tuha with some space to move, and the outside back fended off two defenders and swivelled to find his way to the line.
The Warriors threw plenty in attack, but the Eels defensive line held strong, taking an 11-0 lead into the second half.
The Eels opened the scoring in the second half through winger Semi Radradra. On the back of a left hand shift, the winger found some space to move down the sideline before crossing for his first try of the tournament.
Some enterprising play and strong defence from both sides in the final moments of the match, but the score remained unchanged with the Eels coming away with a 17-0 victory over the Warriors.
The Eels currently sit atop the Piha pool and will take on the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at 9:25am AEDT (11:25am NZDT) tomorrow morning.
