A strong second half performance from the Parramatta Eels has handed Melbourne Storm defeat in Round 22 of the Jersey Flegg competition, going down 26-18 at Seabrook Reserve.
With the Melbourne Storm Old Boys in attendance, Storm battled away hard for a majority of the contest but ultimately fell short to a physical Eels side that muscled up in the gusty conditions.
It was a less than ideal start for Storm, an error off the kick-off inviting the Eels into dangerous field position and the visitors quickly making them pay with winger Matthew Komolafe scoring before the clock even ticked over the one-minute mark.
Needing a response, Storm showed some desperation on their goal line, repelling numerous waves of Eels attacks before Siulagi Pio scooped up a wayward pass and raced 50m downfield to suddenly put Storm on the front foot.
Storm would waste little time in capitalising on the newfound field position, Keagan Russell-Smith putting Angus Hinchey through a hole and the nifty second-rower showing some great footwork to breeze past the fullback and score under the posts in the 6th minute.
Storm’s lead would be short-lived however, ball control once again proving costly with an error from the ensuing gifting Eels their second try, Blaize Talagi firing a sublime cutout pass for Komolafe who dived over in the corner for his second try in the 9th minute.
Despite having the breeze at their backs the Storm would be unable to find a response on the scoreboard for the remainder of the first half, the gusty conditions making it tough for both sides to control the footy.
It was a hard fought start to the second half, both sides exchanging set for set with neither side giving an inch as they muscled up through the middle of the field.
The deadlock would eventually be broken in the 49th minute with Saxon Pryke capatalising on a quick play the ball and crashing over from close range.
Once again it would be an error coming out of trouble that would hurt Storm on the scoreboard, Ali Okusitino punished for an error off the kick return as Max Tupou weaved his way through to score from a set play on the ensuing set in the 57th minute.
The Eels would extend their lead a few minutes later with Ethyn Martin scoring in the corner after finding space down the right edge of the Storm defence in the 61st minute.
Despite impressing for patches of the contest, Storm ultimately left themselves too much work to do in the final 10 minutes, with two late consolation tries not enough to lift them to a last-gasp comeback.
Two individual efforts from Poasi Manu and Gabriel Satrick would provide some late joy for the home side but it would ultimately be purely academic, with the Eels running out 26-18 winners.
The squad will now enjoy a bye in Round 23 before gearing up for their final away trip of the regular season where they will face the Wests Tigers in Round 24.
