The Parramatta Eels have kicked off their 2017 Downer NRL Auckland Nines campaign with a resounding 32-11 victory over the St.George Illawarra Dragons in game three of the tournament.
The Dragons opened the scoring though lighting quick Jai Field in the opening few minutes. The Dragon outside back found some space in the line before streaking 60m to score a long range try, but after that, it was a Blue & Gold magic show.
The Eels struck back quick through Kenny Edwards. The forward powered his way over the line for a bonus-zone try to put the Eels in front.
Some magic from Bevan French out wide saw the winger chip over the top for Clinton Gutherson in support to score, before the third try to the Eels to forward Suaia Matagi who ran a beautiful line close to the line saw the Eels crash over for a converted try and take a 17-4 lead into the first half break.
The Eels kicked off the second half with a bang. Making their way down field, a short ball from Edwards put halfback Jamal Fogarty into a hole, powering through the line and running 30m for a converted bonus-zone try.
A forty-twenty for Corey Norman put the Eels in back in the attacking zone, and after a few players, Gutherson powered his way over for his second try of the afternoon.
Some slick hands from David Gower saw Kenny Edwards put captain Corey Norman into a hole to score, extending the lead to 32-4.
A late consolation try to Dragons forward Sims, off the back of their own forty-twenty saw the score reach 32-11, with the Eels claiming a first up victory.
