The St George Illawarra Dragons have caught fire in the blistering Sydney sunshine to claim a dominant victory over the Eels on Saturday afternoon.
The Dragons ran in eight tries to three in the win at CommBank Stadium, turning a 14-8 half-time lead into a 42-14 triumph.
Fullback Teagan Berry scored a second-half double as the side found their stride to secure their second victory of the season. The win keeps their slim finals hopes alive, while Parramatta missed an opportunity to climb inside the top four.
The Eels lost forward Kennedy Cherrington to a knee injury in the 41st minute, and while she attempted to return was ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
The first half was an end-to-end affair, with both sides throwing the ball around in the Sydney sunshine.
Bobbi Law Try
The free-flowing action made for an entertaining contest and tries were flowing from both teams.
St George Illawarra led 14-8 at the break thanks to tries to Bobbi Law, Keele Browne and Ella Koster.
Monique Donovan and Rory Owen crossed for the Eels in the first half, while Owen came agonisingly close to a second with 15 seconds left in the half.
Rory Owen Try
The Dragons found top gear immediately after the break, three tries in the space of six minutes blowing the game open.
Teagan Berry 1st Try
Zali Hopkins opened the scoring in the 39th minute, before Berry scored back-to-back tries to make it 30-8.
Zali Hopkins Try
The Eels hit back through Rachael Pearson before Browne added her second and Sophie Clancy crossed for the first try of her career in the 67th minute to seal a comfortable victory.
Match: Eels v Dragons
Round 6 -
home Team
Eels
7th Position
away Team
Dragons
8th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Match Snapshot
- The Dragons maintained their perfect winning record against the Eels. They have now won all four games against the club.
- Parramatta have now won only one of their six games at CommBank Stadium.
- Both Keele Browne and Teagan Berry scored doubles in St George Illawarra's win.
- Eels forward Mahalia Murphy was placed on report in the 57th minute. Teammate Rosemarie Beckett was also put on report in the second half.
- St George Illawarra youngster Sophie Clancy scored the first try of her NRLW career.
Play of the Game
Teagan Berry 2nd Try
What They Said
Eels: Round 6
Dragons: Round 6
