Eels back to winning ways

The Parramatta Eels have returned to the winners' list courtesy of a comprehensive 30-12 defeat of the Canberra Raiders at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday night.

Led brilliantly by ever-improving five-eighth Feleti Mateo, the Eels built on their solid 10-6 half-time lead with a three tries-to-one second half to snap a worrying two-game losing streak and maintain their position on the edge of the top-eight.

Despite making a couple of errors, the skilful Mateo played a massive role in three of Parramatta's five tries to complete yet another dominating attacking performance for his side.

The injury-ravaged Raiders have now tasted defeat in five of their six games on the road this season.

After both sides produced a near flawless opening, it was the Raiders to strike first blood, prop Dane Tilse, in his 50th first-grade match, providing a superb offload which led to winger-come-full-back David Milne brushing past Mateo for a strong individual try.

Half-back Todd Carney's wide-range conversion handed the visitors a 6-0 lead after 14 minutes.

But the Eels fired back just four minutes later when a well-directed Brett Finch cross-field kick bounced back off winger Taulima Tautai into the clutches of centre Joel Reddy for a converted try, leveling the scores at 6-all.

The home side took full advantage of the Raiders' first handling error when just three plays later, Mateo atoned for his earlier defensive gaffe by popping a brilliant pass off the ground to send Burt diving over in the 21st minute.

The Raiders were unlucky to be denied a try before half-time when centre Joel Monaghan appeared to have grounded the ball simultaneously with Eels winger Krisnan Inu from the scraps of a bomb, but video referee Paul Simpkins ruled that Inu had in fact got their first, leaving the visitors four points adrift at the break.

Mateo continued his impressive first half work with a long break in the 45th minute to send Finch streaking away for a try, confirming a 16-6 lead for the locals following Burt's second conversion of the night.

The big No. 6 was at it again eight minutes later, displaying brilliant footwork and passing skills to send Burt on his way for a double.

The Raiders remained in the hunt when winger Bronx Goodwin scored in the 59th minute off a Carney right-edge grubber, but the Eels steadied with 67th minute Burt penalty goal and Finch's second four-pointer eight minutes from time.

Adding to Canberra's woes, prop Scott Logan was placed on report for a lifting tackle on Burt late in the second-half.

Parramatta Eels 30
Tries: Burt 2, Finch 2 Reddy
Conversions: Burt 4
Penalty goal: Burt

Canberra Raiders 12
Tries: Milne, Goodwin
Conversions: Carney 2

Sportal's NRL Player of the Year:
3 - Feleti Mateo (Parramatta)
2 - Brett Finch (Parramatta)
1 - David Milne (Canberra)