The nib Newcastle Knights have recorded a spirited loss in Round 13 of the NSW Cup, with Parramatta running out 30-22 winners over the Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Played as the official curtain raiser for Old Boys Day, Andrew Ryan's men were looking to bounce back from a last-start loss to Blacktown against the side currently sitting in the competition's top four.
Early Eels tries to Charbel Tasipale and Will Penisini ensured the Knights would need to do it the hard way, however tries to Ben Talty and Dom Young put the Knights 12-10 ahead at the break.
It was after the half-time break that the damage began to be done, with the Eels piling on three tries back to back after the break to race to a 28-10 lead heading into the game's final quarter.
The Knights did manage to wrestle back some control of the contest and even threatened a late comeback against the blue and gold.
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Chris Vaeila scored a stunning try off a clever kick from Zane Camroux to bride the gap back to two converted tries, however an Eels penalty goal sealed the deal soon after.
Cooper Jenkins managed to snag a late consolation effort, however the Knights will now need to re-group while on a collision course with South Sydney next week.
