Eels pull out a late victory again

The Parramatta Eels have beaten the North Queensland Cowboys 24-22 with a try in the dying moments to David Veaeliki.

Parramatta did not take the lead in the match until the 79th minute and looked under the pump for almost the entire match as they did against the Warriors last week but with two consecutive victories, the Eels are showing signs of improvement and with several injured players due back in the next couple of weeks, their season may not be over just yet.

The Cowboys must be shattered at losing their third match in succession in such demoralizing circumstances. A victory would have had the Cowboys in the hunt for a top eight berth but with Manly and St George Illawarra both posting victories, the road to the finals has just become that much tougher.

Nathan Hindmarsh and John Morris were the best for the Eels and Brian Smith can breathe a little easier for another week.

Leagueunlimited.com Player of the Year Awards: 3 - N Hindmarsh (Eels) 2 - J Morris (Eels) 1 - K Campion (Cowboys)

Saturday 21 June 2003 7:30 PM Parramatta Stadium Referee: Rod Lawrence

Eels 24 Tries: Widders, Graham, Hodgson, Veaeliki Goals: Hodgson 2/2, Witt 2/2

Cowboys 22 Tries: Sweeney, Sheppard, Morrison, Morgan. Goals: Hannay 3/5