Eels stun Knights in 20-18 upset

A controversial penalty and some Parramatta flair have given the Eels a 20-18 NRL
upset of Newcastle at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

The Knights led 12-6 at half time but fell victim to a questionable decision and
their own complacency as the Eels threw caution to the wind with some entertaining
football to claim their fourth win of 2009 in front of 18,085 fans.
Scores were locked at 12-all when referees Gavin Badger and Brett Suttor awarded the
Eels a penalty 15m out directly in front of the posts after ruling support player
Kevin Kingston had been taken out by Marvin Karawana.
Eels winger Luke Burt converted the penalty for a two point lead and then
second-gamer Daniel Mortimer produced a brilliant chip and chase from the next set
to put prop Fuifui Moimoi over for a 73rd minute match-winning try.
But Knights playmaker Jarrod Mullen ensured a nail-biting finale by scoring a solo
try in the 75th minute to reduce the deficit to just two points with five minutes to
play.
Newcastle threw everything they could at the Eels but just couldn't find the winning
play when it mattered most to suffer their first home loss of 2009.
Newcastle led 12-6 at the break after Mullen set up two tries with some deceptive play.
The NSW aspirant provided a fine right foot grubber for Keith Lulia to score the
opening try in the ninth minute and then a well-timed pass for Junior Sau to cross
on the half hour.
But the Eels hit back when centre Joel Reddy touched down in the 18th minute, with
Gidley's attempted trysaver creeping high and may come under scrutiny by the match
review committee on Monday.
Newcastle suffered a severe first half setback with halfback Scott Dureau limping
off with a groin strain that could rule him out for four to six weeks.



Delete & Prev | Delete & Next
Move to: