Eels electric at rainy Parkes
The new look Eels were in devastating form as they accounted for the Roosters 34-16 on a stormy night in the Central West town of Parkes.
As the lightning crackled overhead, the Eels were electric as they piled on 16 unanswered points to open the NRL trial game before 11,000 fans - almost more people than the town's population.
Eric Grothe scored two ties and Aaron Cannings one with hooker Mark Riddell managing two conversions from the touchline.
With ten minutes remaining in the first half the heavens finally opened and so did the Eels defence.
Chris Walker broke through a flimsy tackle and had too much pace down the left flank to open the scoring for the Roosters.
With the rain making handling difficult, the Roosters were able to dominate territory for the remainder of the half and were rewarded when Ryan Cross scored a simple try after the overlap was created by Brett Finch.
At half-time the Eels led 16-10, and it seemed it was anyone's game but the experience and class of the Eels showed through in the end.
PJ Marsh created a lot of opportunities for the Eels backline when he came on in the second half and scored two tries.
Henry Perenara also scored for the Eels to cap off a strong match, when a neat grubber eluded Amos Roberts at the back and Perenara dived on the loose ball.
With a couple of minutes remaining, Roberts plucked a neat interception and raced 75 metres to score a consolation try for the Roosters.
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