The Serve

Parramatta wins first final

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Ray Warren: I didn’t know Parra could defend like that

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Ray Warren: Penalty try decision was a croc

Parramatta has won the opening game of the NRL finals series, with a hard fought 12-10 win over the New Zealand Warriors at a ‘blacked-out’ Mount Smart Stadium.

With the Warriors having an awesome recent attacking record at home and the Eels racking up 68 points against Brisbane last week, the matched shaped as a potential shootout. However it was evident from the outset that both defences would be extremely hard to crack.

Both sides had chances in the first half, with each having a try denied by video referee Bill Harrigan.

An attacking kick for Warriors winger Patrick Ah Van was knocked backwards, however Todd Byrne couldn’t ground the loose ball. A short time later, Timana Tahu appeared set to score, when a strong tackle close to the Warriors line jolted the ball free. Nathan Hindmarsh picked up the ball and placed it over the line, however the knock on stood.

The 0-0 half time score was the second scoreless opening half of the season. Brisbane and Souths failed to score in the first forty minutes of their round 8 contest.

The drought was finally broken in the 45th minute, when an Ah Van knock back off a kick this time found its mark, with Byrne scoring.

The key period of the game was shortly after. The Warriors had several attacking raids, helped by two errors off kicks by Eels winger Eric Grothe and a fumbled intercept by Krisnan Inu. However the home side could not take advantage of their good fortune.

Parramatta hit back in the 64th minute courtesy of a Feleti Mateo try, which was frighteningly similar to the Byrne try. Tim Smith kicked with Brett Finch getting the vital touch.

The fatal blow came seven minutes later when Jarryd Hayne crossed off a grubber.

Michael Witt was awarded a penalty try with three minutes remaining. Video referee Bill Harrigan judged that Witt had been illegially tackled by Chad Robinson five metres out from the Eels line. It was a bold call from Harrigan, who needed to be certain that Witt would have scored had the offence not been committed.

However, there was to be no miracle and the Eels would score their best win under Michael Hagan.

Unless at least two lower ranked teams win over the rest of the weekend, then both sides will be playing sudden death football in week 2. However Parramatta has ensured they have a home city final and won’t be traveling next week.