Eels hand Rabbitohs their first loss

It will go down as one of the upsets of the season - the Parramatta Eels defeating the competition leading South Sydney Rabbitohs 29-16 in front of 15,562 fans at Pirtek Stadium.

The Rabbitohs started the game much the way they were expected to, with some slick passing from Daryl Millard sending Joel Reddy over in the corner. Adam Reynolds added the extras, and the Rabbitohs took an early six point lead.

The next 20 minutes of the game went Parramatta's way, as the Eels did their best to take the game away from the South Sydney side. The Eels were on the right side of a handful of penalties, and forced several uncharacteristic errors from the Rabbitohs, culminating in John Folau crashing over in the 15th minute. Chris Sandow made no mistake with the conversion, and scores were locked up.

In the 29th minute Sandow extended his team's lead, after back to back penalties from Glenn Stewart and Adam Reynolds helped the Eels into field position. A penalty for dissent against Reynolds gifted Parramatta the two points.

The Rabbitohs hit back 5 minutes later, as an Adam Reynolds kick was reclaimed by Alex Johnston, who then threw inside to Chris Grevsmuhl, who showed great strength to muscle over for a four pointer. Adam Reynolds converted the try.

We looked all set to go to the break at 12-8 to South Sydney, but the Eels had other ideas. Some footwork from Sandow, followed by a display of brute strength from Folau, which saw the Eels cross for their second.

Parramatta went to the break leading 14-12, and looking slight favourites for the win.

The Eels started strongly in the second half, with a try to Reece Robinson in the 42nd minute. Sandow couldn't convert, but the damage looked to have been done. The next 20 minutes were practically all Parramatta's way, but the Rabbtiohs defence was stoic. The Eels commanded 70% of the possession early in the second half, but could not convert this possession into points. The Rabbitohs looked ragged.

In the 60th minute, the South Sydney Rabbitohs finally got some ball, and after back-to-back sets, Alex Johnston managed to score a try unmarked in the corner. Reynolds failed with the conversion, and Parramatta kept the lead 18-16.

Reece Robinson, in his 100th game, then took the game away from the Rabbitohs in the 67th minute, scoring his second for the evening. Sandow's conversion was a shocker, travelled practically parallel to the try line.

Sandow redeemed himself seven minutes later, kicking a field goal from 35 metres out, and then scoring a try in the 79th minute to put the final nail in the coffin. An upset result for the Eels, handing the Rabbitohs their first loss of 2015.

The Eels will now take on the Tigers next Monday night, while the Rabbitohs will clash with the Bulldogs in a mouth watering clash on Friday night.

Match Details

Parramatta Eels 29 South Sydney Rabbitohs 16
Venue: Pirtek Stadium
Crowd: 15,562
Halftime Score: Parramatta Eels 14 South Sydney Rabbitohs 12

PARRAMATTA EELS (29)
Tries: John Folau (2), Chris Sandow, Reece Robinson (2)
Field Goals: Chris Sandow (1/1)
Conversions: Chris Sandow (3/5)
Penalty Goals: Chris Sandow (1/1)

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS (16)
Tries: Joel Reddy, Chris Grevsmuhl, Alex Johnston
Field Goals:
Conversions: Adam Reynolds (2/3)
Penalty Goals:

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:

3 points - Chris Sandow
2 points - Reece Robinson
1 point - Nathan Peats

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary

Good evening folks and welcome to League Unlimited's coverage of this Friday Night clash between two teams that have a load of history and premierhsips, the Parramatta Eels and the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
This should be a cracking game. Can Parra cause an upset? Or will Souths continue their dominant form?

A few team changes to report. Jason Clark drops off the bench and in comes Ben Lowe in jumper 18.
For the Eels Tepai Moerea is out, David Gower starts in his place and Peni Terepo comes onto the bench in jersey 18.

Currently 21 degrees at Parramatta Stadium, slight South West breeze of 7 km/H. Nice conditions, lovely night.

Here comes Souths, we are only about 2 minutes away!

Here we go!

1: Knock on by Watmough after some attention by Stewart. Souths in great field position.

3: On the last Reynolds chips it in the corner but it's taken very comfortably by Reece Robinson. Parra survive

3: Parramatta get a penalty here after a infringement in the play the ball by Mcqueen. Now Parra on the attack, 20 metres out

3: Glenn Stewart has been penalised for pressure on the neck of Watmough. Friends right?

5: McQueen scoops up the kick on last tackle and races 20 m down field

5: Souths looking very sound defensively so far

6: Great kick chase by Parra, Reynolds thumps it deep, Folau leaves it for Hopoate who is swarmed on by 3 Souths defenders and grounded in goal. Line drop out.

8: Inglis on a darting run bouncing off 5 defenders! Parra pull him down. On The next play Sandow attempts to clean up Reynolds kick but he knocks it on. Souths look in the mood tonight

8: Souths 10m out now...

9: TRY SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Scored by Joel Reddy. Kick to come.
Souths spread it from the left hand side all the way to the right. Nice hands and Millard sends an unmarked Reddy over in the corner. Slick play by the Rabbits.

10: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Conversion attempt by Adam Reynolds successful.
Brilliant kick by Reynolds, no mistake. 6-0

12: Sandow with a big clearing kick after a struggling set, on the return Alex Johnston is hit hard and coughs the ball up. Parra scrum.

13: Can the Eels hit back?

14: Penalty to Parra, another high shot

15: TRY PARRAMATTA EELS
Scored by John Folau. Kick to come.
They do hit back! John Folau explodes onto a short ball and crashes over the line, great strength from the 20 year old!

16: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION PARRAMATTA EELS
Conversion attempt by Chris Sandow successful.
All good from Sandow! 6-6. We are all square again.

16: Very strong return from Lussick gains 15m, urgency now with the Eels

18: Sandow thumps it high after a good set from the Eels, Johsnton holds onto this one.
On the next tackle the pressure is relieved by Parra being offside

19: Isaac Luke searches for the line but he has knocked it on 1m out! So close. Parra are lucky with that one. Very very close

19: End to end stuff at the moment. Both sides capable of scoring plenty of points

20: Sandow sends Morgan down the left who gains 30m, but Souths clean up the kick on the last and get to 15m out. Enterprising stuff from the Eels

23: Norman's pass goes out the back and it's seized by Reddy who races 40m downfield, two tackles later George Burgess loses the ball and after that there is a scuffle in the backfield between Sandow and Luke, the little men are fired up!
No punches thrown just slaps!

24: Sandow puts up the bomb, but again it's taken easily by Souths and again Parra are offside! They are hurting themselves the blue and golds!

24: Souths only 30m out now.

25: Another penalty to Souths and they are only 10m away. Big chance for more points for the Rabbits

26: Short pass by Luke to try and send young Grevsmuhl under the posts but he knocks it on and Parra can breathe a sigh of relief.

28: Glenn Stewart gives away his 2nd penalty and it gives Parra a great opportunity to search for more points, 10m out.

28: Smart grubber by Sandow traps Inglis in goal and to compound their misery Reynolds is penalised for dissent. Parra opt for the 2 points. Smart choice

29: SUCCESSFUL PENALTY GOAL PARRAMATTA EELS
Penalty goal attempt by Chris Sandow successful.
No mistake, its now 8-6 to the Eels now.

31: Good follow up set by Parra and they get a good kick away. Souths bring it out of their own end.

32: Hopoate looks to have misjudged this bomb from Reynolds but he leaps back and takes it spectacularly!

33: Sandow's kicking game is on point tonight, splits both Inglis and Reddy again, finding the grass about 10m out

34: TRY SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Scored by Chris Grevsmuhl. Kick to come.
This is an insane passage of play. Reynold's hits a massive torpedo and Hopoate cant get there and falls over in the process, Johnston collects it and throws inside to Grevsmuhl who powers thru three defenders, fighting his way to the line to plant down!

34: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Conversion attempt by Adam Reynolds successful.
No mistake, 12-8 to Souths

36: Parra through Teripo give away a penalty and all of a sudden Souths are back on the attack. Can Parra hold them out?

38: Souths knock on after a flurr of passes and kicks on the last

39: TRY PARRAMATTA EELS
Scored by John Folau. Kick to come.
This is marvelous by Parra. Sandow takes on the line again and has them backing off, he fires it to Morgan who in turn finds Folau who steps past one defender and carries 4 others with him! Monster stuff from Folau!

40: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION PARRAMATTA EELS
Conversion attempt by Chris Sandow successful.
Glorious kick by Sandow and Parra lead 14-12 at Half time!

40: That's half time here folks, its a cracking game so far and at the moment Parramatta are surprising many with a great attacking showing.
14-12 at the break. Join us again in ten mins for the second half

40: Glenn Stewart leads the tackle charts with 23 followed by Isaac Luke with 19, Nathan Peats from the Eels with 19 and Tim Grant with 15.
Watmough has 81m on the ground followed by Mannah with 77m. For Souths Reddy has 62, George Burgess has 46m and Luke has 43 m from 4 runs

40: Both sides are back out on the field and we are all set for the second half. Who's going to win this one It's been such a topsy turvy game!

40: Souths get first use of the football.

40: Penalty to Parra as Souths had their hands on the ball. Good position for Parra

42: TRY PARRAMATTA EELS
Scored by Reece Robinson. Kick to come.
Parra are in again! Wonderfully executed. Sandow hits a cutout pass to Takarangi who passes to Robinson who dives over out wide! Parra Power!

42: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION PARRAMATTA EELS
Conversion attempt by Chris Sandow unsuccessful.
Sandow hits the upright! Stays 18-12 to Parramatta

46: Parra throw the ball around and have Souths under all sorts of pressure.
Souths get the ball back but Reddy knocks it on 1st tackle. More pressure for Souths

47: Parra look like they are playing Fijian rugby! Throwing the ball around left right and centre! This time it backfires as Sandow throws the ball over the head of Folau

49: Takarangi intercepts Reynolds and Parra are now 20m out!

50: Parra knock the ball on though through Manu Ma'u and Souths survive!

50: Oh no it's a parra ball, that knock on was by souths! Parra ball 10m out

51: Desperate defence by Souths at the moment!

51: Souths are grounded in goal after a David Gower kick! Nice kick by the backrower

52: Reddy intercepts the Norman pass and Souths escape! Gritty stuff there from the Bunnies.

53: Souths finally get possession!

54: Souths give away a penalty for a strip on Will Hopoate

54: Parramatta only 25m out, can they score more points to heap the pressure on Souths?

54: 6 again for Parra after Norman attempts to grubber on the last! More tackling for Souths

55: John Folau knocks on after being put in space by Ryan Morgan, great pressure by the Souths defenders there.

57: How much has all this tackling that Souths have had to do taken out of the Rabbits?

59: Souths show their attacking hand and go down the left edge, Folau sends out his had to stop the movement, but it will be a scrum feed to Souths here. 20m out

59: Can Souths get back into this ?

60: A penalty to Souths now as Degois lies in the play the ball

61: TRY SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Scored by Alex Johnston. Kick to come.
They go to the left side again and that man Greg Inglis double pumps before passing to an unmarked Johnston who scores a nice try, Souths are back folks!

62: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Conversion attempt by Adam Reynolds unsuccessful.
No good by Reynolds, is high but not straight and not long enough. Parra stay ahead 18-16

64: Lussick appears to hit McQueen high but no penalty. Bizarre...
McQueen leaves the field

64: Parra making big metres in this set! They want more points!

65: Into the final 15 mins and still have no idea who will win, next try will weigh heavily in this one though

66: Penalty to Parra after they spread it to the left and Robinson races down the left flank and grubbers back inside, he's held back by Reddy though. Eels 20m out!

67: TRY PARRAMATTA EELS
Scored by Reece Robinson. Kick to come.
Parra spread it left again and its Robinson vs Reddy again and for the 2nd time tonight Robinson comes out on top in his 100th game, Try time!

68: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION PARRAMATTA EELS
Conversion attempt by Chris Sandow unsuccessful.
Shocker by Sandow, was traveling towards Granville! 22-16

70: Huge final 10 minutes coming up here folks! Can Parra hold on or will Souths come back into it?

71: Penalty to Souths on the last after Robinson puts Reddy in a dangerous position. Big set coming up here.

72: Inglis chips the ball into the in goal on last, Takarangi rises up high to take it, Souths do enough to ground him in goal.

73: Parra defending bravely, Souths keep coming though.

74: Reynolds grubbers in on the last after shaping to run, it has great weight and Hopoate has to slap it dead. Line drop out

74: 3rd set in a row for Souths here

75: Souths sits up for McQueen after deflecting off a team mate and he kicks it dead by accident! 20 m restart for the Eels

75: SUCCESSFUL FIELD GOAL PARRAMATTA EELS
Field goal attempt by Chris Sandow successful.
It goes back to sandow from 35m out and he nails it! Sweet kick! 23-16

77: Short kick off fails and now Parra get a penalty, 20m out now. can they put the icing on the cake?

77: Brad Takarangi has fallen awkwardly and there's a bit of a delay

78: Souths ball after Takarangi knocked on in that last passage of play

79: TRY PARRAMATTA EELS
Scored by Chris Sandow. Kick to come.
Parramatta on the last, grubber it through Sandow and Johnston knocks it on, falls into the path of Sandow and that's another try! It has really been Sandow's night!

80: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION PARRAMATTA EELS
Conversion attempt by Chris Sandow successful.
Sandow's kick has come back and goes over the black dot! 29-16 and Parramatta get a famous win!

What a wonderful performance from Parramatta and they improve their record to 2-2. They were exciting throughout the whole game and really took it to the Rabbitohs with some ablib play. Sandow was brilliant, as was Reece Robinson. Souths were just off their game slightly and will be very disappointed to have lost again at Parramatta Stadium

Thanks so much for joining me folks and make sure you follow League Unlimited's coverage of the Wests Tigers vs Canterbury game that is coming up now!