The U20 Thunderbolts have been defeated by the Parramatta Eels 48-16 on the Sunshine Coast.
Parramatta took control of the score board early in the game before Melbourne’s Kea Pere scored a scintillating 50 meter try to lock the scores up at 6-6.
Constant pressure from Parramatta saw them post three more consecutive tries against the Thunderbolts, however a try shortly after the half time siren to Melbourne’s Jesse Arthars narrowed the margin at the break to 22-10.
Both teams exchanged early tries in the second half making for an entertaining spectacle.
Coach Eric Smith’s Thunderbolts were then faced with a daunting task to get back into the game after play maker Matt Egan was sin binned with 25 minutes remaining on the clock.
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Parramatta capitalised on the undermanned Thunderbolts and eventually ran away with a 48-16 victory thanks to four un answered tries.
Melbourne now head into the bye week before lining up against the Raiders in Canberra on July 22.
Thunderbolts 16
Tries: Harlan Collins, Jesse Arthars, Kea Pere
Goals: Jesse Arthars 2
Eels 48
Tries: Anthony Layoun 2, Greg Lleisiuao 2, Emosi Alamoti, Joesph Taipari, Denzal Tonise, Reed Mahoney 2
Goals: Joesphi Taipari 6
