NRL round 25: Rabbitohs squeak by Eels
The Sydney Rabbitohs were able to claw their way past the Parramatta Eels at home in ANZ Stadium over the weekend.
The two sides went into half time tied at zero, but began to put up points after the break. The two teams managed to combine for 40 points in the final 40 minutes of the match. The Rabbitohs came out of the half as the stronger side and were able to turn their quick start into a 24-16 victory.
Recap
The two clubs were locked down in a defensive battle throughout the entire first half, with both of the teams staying off the scoreboard. After 40 minutes of play they entered halftime tied at zero.
After the break the Rabbitohs were quick to get on the board with a try from Rhys Wesser in the 44th minute and a conversion from Chris Sandow gave the home side the first points of the game and a 6-0 lead.
The Sydney-siders were not done however, as Jaiman Lowe crossed the whitewash only four minutes later and after another Sandow conversion the home team extended their lead to 12-0.
The Eels were able to battle back with a try from Justin Horo in the 54th minute and a conversion from Luke Burt, making the game 12-6.
However, the Rabbitohs added a penalty in the 57th minute and a try from Isaac Luke only a minute later, pushing their lead back out to 12 points.
The hosts were able to put the game out of reach after Dave Taylor managed his way over the try-line in the 69th minute and Sandown capped off an impressive day at the tee knocking down his third conversion.
The Eels made a push near the end of the game with tries from Krisnan Inu and Feleti Mateo, however it was too little too late as the Rabbitohs were able to clinch an important victory.
Analysis
The Rabbitohs now find themselves within striking distance of a play-off spot with only one week to go in the season. Sitting two points back of the Canberra Raiders they will need to maintain their strong form next week if they hope to make the post-season.
Meanwhile the Eels loss forces them out of play-off contention. Now sitting four points back of eighth spot they will have to settle for being the spoiler in the final round of competition.
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