Match Report: Eels vs. Wests Tigers
In a thrilling Easter Monday clash, the Wests Tigers clinched a narrow 17-16 victory over the Eels, courtesy of an Aidan Sezer field goal in the dying moments of the game.
The match saw the visitors take a one-point lead with just 30 seconds remaining on the clock. However, an offside penalty provided the Eels with an opportunity to snatch victory, but Clint Gutherson’s attempt from almost 40 meters out veered wide of the uprights.
With this win, Benji Marshall’s side secured consecutive victories for the first time since Round 10 last year, marking a significant milestone for the team.
The Wests Tigers’ triumph was built on a solid defensive effort, despite Parramatta enjoying over 53 percent of possession. Rookie Lachie Galvin’s sin-binning in the second half added to the drama of the match.
Galvin made an immediate impact against his former junior club by setting up Justin Olam’s try with a well-executed grubber kick. However, Parramatta’s Morgan Harper was denied a try early on after stepping out of bounds.
Despite the Wests Tigers’ errors inviting pressure from the Eels, Maika Sivo managed to cross over for Parramatta’s first try with Harper and Gutherson playing crucial roles in the build-up.
With the scores locked at 6-6 at halftime following Gutherson’s penalty goal, Parramatta surged ahead in the second half. J’maine Hopgood’s breakaway run set up Gutherson for another try, extending the Eels’ lead to 12-6.
Galvin’s sin-binning further compounded the Wests Tigers’ woes as Gutherson added another penalty goal to give Parramatta a 14-point advantage.
However, the Wests Tigers rallied after Galvin’s return to full strength, with Olam scoring his second try to narrow the gap. Galvin then showcased his skill by setting up Jahream Bula for the go-ahead try, putting the Tigers ahead 16-14.
In a tense final ten minutes, a Sezer escort penalty challenge was denied, giving Parramatta a chance to level the scores with a penalty shot. But it was Sezer who ultimately sealed the victory for the Wests Tigers with a decisive field goal in the last minute.
Despite the Eels’ last-gasp attempt to snatch victory with a two-point field goal, the ball sailed wide, securing the Wests Tigers’ hard-fought win.
With this result, the Wests Tigers celebrated their first consecutive wins under their new coach, marking a significant milestone for the team.
