The Serve

Parramatta crush Tigers

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Wests Tigers 8 Parramatta 38 

Parramatta’s premiership charge picked up steam at an alarming rate, thrashing the Wests Tigers 38-8 in front of 22,245 at Telstra Stadium.

Against a side on a six game winning streak, The Eels overcame a slow start to destroy their opponents with brute force and enthusiasm.

Conceding an early penalty goal, Parramatta took the lead thanks to Eric Grothe’s gymnastic put down in the seventeenth minute, avoiding the touch line and managing to ground the ball correctly. The tide turned quickly. A glamourous try to Blues winger Jarrod Hayne after a series of ambitious passes was followed by a Brett Finch try four minutes before half time.

The Eels led 16-2 and continued their ruthlessness straight after the break, with tries to Feliti Mateo and Ben Smith within the opening eight minutes of the second period. The contest was over. Parramatta continuously battered their smaller opponents. Brett Hodgson lay motionless for around a minute after a nasty head clash, one of several Tigers to feel pain on a forgettable night.

Luke Burt’s try in the sixtieth minute continued the misery. Chris Lawrence scored the

Tigers only try off an impressive backline movement, with Mateo finishing the game with his second try. A much deserved reward for a stellar performance in the forwards, matched only by Fuifui Moimoi.

The Tigers missed a staggering 56 tackles, most during the heat of the first half. “It will be a rude awakening for us”, said coach Tim Sheens, who had warned that his team may suffer a let down after such a battering. “We’ve got to turn it around now and make sure we’re on top of our game”