The Vodafone Junior Warriors saw a 10-point lead transformed into an eight-point loss to Parramatta in a frantic final five minutes of a remarkable Jersey Flegg Cup match at McCredie Park in Sydney on Saturday.
With the visitors in front all day after jumping out to a 14-0 lead after 27 minutes it was scarcely believable that the Eels should end up winning this contest 32-24.
Going into the last 10 minutes the Vodafone Junior Warriors had an 18-14 lead which became 24-14 when Brody Tamarua converted prop Wesley Veikoso's try with just eight minutes to play.
Entering the last five minutes there was still a 10-point gap but then the Eels exploded with three tries in a blink to win by eight points.
It was a heartbreaking outcome for the Vodafone Junior Warriors, who had been making most of the play from the moment big front rower Eliesa Katoa scored after just two minutes.
Further tries came for hooker Richard To'ai, centre Kayal Iro and wing Selestino Ravuatumada to have their side well-placed for their fifth win of the season - until the Eels went on their rampage.
MATCH DETAILS
At McCredie Park, Sydney
Parramatta Eels 32 (Jesse Cronin 2, Taufa Afu, Turaganivalu Nabetelevu, Jesse Cronin, Sione Fonua, Lufusi Vea Tapaatoutai tries; Bailey Biondi-Odo 3 conversions; Kyle Schneider conversion).
Vodafone Junior Warriors 24 (Eliesa Katoa, Richard To'ai, Kayal Iro, Selestino Ravutaumada, Wesley Veikoso tries; Sione Moala conversion; Brody Tamarua conversion).
Halftime: 14-6 Vodafone Junior Warriors.
Vodafone Junior Warriors | Emmanuel Tuimavave-Gerrard; Selestino Ravutaumada, Raymon Vaega, Kayal Iro, Edward Kosi; William Fakatoumafi, Sione Moala; Eliesa Katoa, Richard To’ai, Wesley Veikoso; Brody Tamarua, Tom Ale; Isaiah Vagana. Interchange: Taniela Otukolo, Neyla Masima, Junior Pua, Jyris Glamuzina.
