Match Details
Match Date	11th May, 2018
Opponent	Parramatta
Result	Win 20-12
Coach	Dean Pay
Captain	Josh Jackson
Venue	Homebush (ANZ Stadium)
Crowd	15,683
Referee	Ashley Klein Peter Gough

Captain Clint Gutherson could only look on in horror as his shocking attempt to put the ball dead essentially killed off Parramatta’s season.

The Eels crashed to a 20-12 defeat against bitter rivals Canterbury last night. The loss left them anchored at the bottom of the NRL ladder with the finals now nothing but a pipe dream.

Gutherson tried his heart out all night, but his attempt to clear a Josh Jackson grubber with just eight minutes on the clock will haunt him. With the teams locked up at 12 apiece, Gutherson went to clear Jackson’s kick with his left boot but missed as Adam Elliott was on the spot to score. Canterbury were lucky to be awarded a repeat set in the first place after the referees – and bunker – were convinced George Jennings had a foot in the field of play when he diffused a Matt Frawley chip kick.

Rather than starting a set on their 20m, the Eels were forced to defend their line. While Parramatta fans might blow up about the dud call, they will know their struggling team had plenty of other chances to win this one.

Canterbury also made plenty of breaks but could not land the knockout punch.

As Gus Gould said during Channel Nine’s commentary, the 15,683 fans at the ground were watching two proud clubs who had simply forgotten how to win. It explained their spots on the ladder coming into the popular derby.

Parramatta will do it tough drawing a crowd at the same Sydney Olympic Park venue next Friday night when they host the New Zealand Warriors.

Beau Scott departed early with a shoulder injury and did not return, while Daniel Alvaro, the Eels’ best forward, knocked himself senseless trying a tackle on the hour.

Canterbury, who came close a week earlier against Brisbane, will at least take some confidence moving forward against Cronula in the Shire next Sunday afternoon.

At the start, the Dogs raced out to an 8-0 lead when Brett Morris was able to cross in the left corner.

But Parramatta quickly hit back through Gutherson after some beautiful lead-up work from Brad Takairangi and Bevan French.

Gutherson then turned provider for French to score five minutes later The Eels’ spirits were right up and it looked only a matter of time before they crossed again.

The Morris twins did well for Canterbury, as did Raymond Faitala-Mariner the big backrower with bigger hair who played on one leg heading into half-time.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

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