A 10 minute try blitz at the back end of the game helped the Wests Tigers record their third win of the season when they defeated Parramatta 22-6 at ANZ Stadium this afternoon.
The Tigers were trailing 6-4 in the 69th minute and looking like they would be unable to avoid their third consecutive defeat when tries to James Tedesco, Pat Richards and Luke Brooks handed them an unexpected big win and the vital two premiership points
The try to Tedesco was an incredible piece of work, with Richards, named man of the match, staying in the field of play by a matter of one or two centimetres before kicking ahead for the fullback, who regathered and somehow grounded the ball.
Richards then scored an eight point try of his own, when he was hit around the head by Eels fullback Wil Hopoate as he tried to plant the ball in the corner.
Hopoate was placed on report, while Richards went on to kick from the sideline and then from in front to put the Tigers ahead by 18-6.
That was in the 75th minute and three and a half minutes later Richards again got clear of the Eels defence and was able to put boot to ball which was gathered by halfback Luke Brooks for the final four pointer of the match.
Richards failed to convert, with the final score remaining 22-8.
Coach Jason Taylor would not have been happy with his team’s general play, but their defensive effort, restricting the Eels to one try, may get them off the hook.
They will have to repeat their performance in defence when they travel to New Zealand to take on the Warriors this Saturday night in round 6 of the NRL.
In the first half a try by winger Kevin Naiqama almost on the stroke of halftime had brought Wests Tigers back in the game.
Pat Richards failed to convert the try so the teams trundled off to the dressings rooms with the Eels ahead at 6-4.
Most of the first 40 minutes was punctuated by errors from both sides, who kept finding new ways to lose possession.
Parramatta did start to dominate in the last 15 minutes of the first stanza and were unlucky not to score more points.
To be fair, Wests Tigers defended very well and the halftime score reflected how the two teams performed in the first 40 minutes.
Eels hit the front after 30 minutes, with their little general Chris Sandow converting for a 6-0 scoreline.
At the same time Wests skipper Robbie Farah headed for the dressing room for a check up after copping a knock, but was cleared to resume his place in the second half.
Apart from man of the man Richards, fullback James Tedesco was dangerous every time he touched the ball, while Curtis Sironen had moments of brilliance playing a little wider than usual.
