League: Parramatta withstand early pressure to down Warriors

Parramatta overcame a strong start by the New Zealand Warriors to record a 28-18 victory in the first National Rugby League match to be played in Hamilton.

At a foggy Waikato Stadium tonight, there was plenty of sparkling attacking play from both sides as the second-placed Eels ran in five tries to four to extend their winning streak to six matches.

For the Warriors, the result meant they have yet to win in New Zealand outside Auckland, after nine matches against different opposition.

The Warriors, for whom prop Ruben Wiki and lock Monty Betham were late scratchings because of injury, dominated the early stages.

On the back of a wealth of possession and territory, they raced to a 10-0 lead after just 11 minutes.

Firstly, centre Clinton Toopi crossed after a fine backline move.

Then, prop Richard Villasanti chased a Nathan Fien kick-ahead to mark his 100th first-grade appearance with his side's second try.

But Parramatta struck back in their first real attack, with winger Luke Burt dotting down from a crossfield kick by five-eighth John Morris.

They drew level when New South Wales State of Origin second rower Nathan Hindmarsh, who had started off the bench, forced his way over.

The Warriors went back ahead when winger Francis Meli finished off another expansive attacking move.

But two quick tries late in the half put the Eels in control.

The first came after halfback Tim Smith completed an 80m move that featured a big break by winger Matthew Petersen.

Right on halftime, a clever Morris cross kick found unmarked centre Ben Smith who went over to help Parramatta to 22-14 lead.

The Eels kicked further ahead with the game's best try, begun deep in their own half by Tim Smith's surprise shallow crossfield kick to centre Daniel Wagon, who broke downfield.

After the ball was kept alive via numerous passes, Petersen barged over.

But the Warriors gave their fans faint hopes of a late revival eight minutes from the end when a Stacey Jones break produced winger Todd Byrne's 12th try in his last 12 appearances.

Parramatta 28 (Luke Burt, Nathan Hindmarsh, Tim Smith, Ben Smith, Matthew Petersen tries; Luke Burt 3, Mark Riddell goals)

New Zealand Warriors 18 (Clinton Toopi, Richard Villasanti, Francis Meli, Todd Byrne, tries; Lance Hohaia, goal).

Halftime: 22-14.

Referee: Tony Archer.- NZPA