The Parramatta Eels Jersey Flegg side have suffered a 30-12 defeat in the nation’s capital this afternoon, going down to the Raiders at Canberra’s GIO Stadium in Round Five of the competition.
Looking to secure their first win of the season, the young Blue & Gold found themselves on the back foot early when the home side raced out of the blocks and put the first points on the board in just the third minute.
Raiders right centre Matt Timoko crossed for his first try of the afternoon, charging through the defence to score a converted try out wide.
The Eels looked to have crossed for their own try but fullback Haze Dunster was held up after a long cut out ball from half Joseph Taipari put the outside back over out wide.
The Raiders backed up their try saving defence with a solid defensive set on their line before eventually making their way down field.
The Eels upped their intensity and after defence forced a loose ball close to the line, it gifted Timoko who scooped up the loose ball and raced 20m to score and extend the home side’s lead to twelve.
A try to five-eighth Jarrett Subloo extended the home side lead to three converted tries as he stepped off his left foot and sliced back some tiring defence on the inside to cross for a try in the 30th minute.
A well weighted kick from Taipari before half time had Joey Small in pursuit and an opportunity for the Eels to strike back before the half time siren, but the Raiders defence knocked the ball dead and headed to the sheds with a three try lead.
The Raiders extended their lead when Subloo crossed for his second of the afternoon, slicing through some retreating Eels defence in the 42nd minute of the clash to cross over out wide.
The Eels began their fight back when Bruce Ward barged over the line to the right of the posts for a converted try in the 50th minute.
The Eels returned to the right edge in the 58th minute and it paid dividends when fullback Haze Dunster crossed in the corner after a cut out ball put him over. Bailey Biondo converting the try from the sideline to bring the gap to within two tries.
However the Raiders halted the young Blue & Gold momentum when they struck back in the 63rd minute of the clash through lock Darby Medlyn. After a bust down their left edge, winger Semi Valemi found the lock looking in support to score a converted try and return to a comfortable lead.
The Eels threw plenty in attack in the final five minutes of play but the home side held on for a 30-12 victory.
Parramatta Eels Jersey Flegg 12 (Tries: Bruce Ward, Haze Dunster; Goals: Bailey Biondi-Odo 2/2)
Def by
Canberra Raiders 30 (Tries: Matt Timoko (2), Jarrett Subloo (2), Darby Medlyn; Goals: Jarrett Subloo 2/2)
