The Parramatta Eels Jersey Flegg side have suffered a 36-10 defeat to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium yesterday afternoon, in the side’s first game of the season.
The young Eels side, coached by Dean Feeney, faced their own adversity early with pre-season and lingering injuries to starting players Joey Taipari, Noel Aukafolau and PJ Vaigalu ruling the half, centre and lock out of the clash.
The Blue & Gold Jersey Flegg side also saw their depth tested in just the opening round with Haze Dunster & Stefano Utoikamanu unavailable due to injury whilst Dylan Brown and Jaeman Salmon (both still eligible for the Jersey Flegg competition) featured in the Eels NRL clash.
The young Eels started the clash strongly, putting first points on the board through back rower Arron Shelford in just the third minute of the clash, running a strong line to power his way over.
But as both sides settled into the contest, the young Blue & Gold side struggled to keep up the intensity of the aggressive Bulldogs pack and the home side scored through Devontai Seumanutafa, Zac Hetherington and Frank Kuresa in the first half to build an 18-4 lead after the opening 35 minute half.
The Eels looked to begin their fight back when interchange forward Harry Duggan scored in the 40th minute of the clash to bring the score difference to eight, but when lively half Alex Seve crossed in the 44th minute the points began to flow for the Bulldogs.
Further tries to prop Daniel Sakisi who battered through the Eels try line defence and winger Blake Clayton, who scored out wide, saw the Bulldogs post two late tries to claim a convincing 36-10 victory.
The Eels will be looking to bounce back next week when they take on the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium on Friday 29 March ahead of the Eels NRL clash. E
Parramatta Eels Jersey Flegg 10 (Tries: Arron Shelford, Harry Duggan, Goals: Kyle Schneider 1/2)
Def by
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 36 (Tries: Devontai Seumanutafa, Zac Hetherington, Frake Kuresa, Alex Seve, Daniel Sakisi, Blake Clayton tries; Jake Averillo 6/6 goals)
