Eels lose to Broncos

The Parramatta Eels' dream winning streak has come to an end, crashing to a 23-0 defeat to the Brisbane Broncos at a packed Parramatta Stadium. Brisbane now looks set for a top-four finish and a home semi-final presuming they can defeat the Warriors next Sunday.

The defeat ended an incredible run of form from the Eels, who had rattled up nine straight wins to guarantee a place in the finals despite sitting in second-last place on the table after round 17.Brisbane meanwhile continued its recovery from a five-game losing streak, taking another prized scalp after last week's 30-0 thumping of the Bulldogs.

Nathan Hindmarsh was an inspiration in a losing side for the Eels, making 18 hit-ups and 53 tackles in a marathon performance.The Broncos drew first blood in front of the 23,000-strong crowd when Darren Lockyer sent a short ball to Justin Hodges, who sliced through Parramatta's line with an angled run to score beside the posts.Karmichael Hunt, starting on the wing for Brisbane with Hodges at fullback, looked to have run clear down the left flank for a second try only for play to be called back for a forward pass from Lockyer.

The Eels were put under plenty of pressure as the visitors dominated the contest for the next half hour, and Parramatta's defence finally cracked when Corey Parker found his way to the line from close range after a kick from Shane Perry forced a goal-line drop-out.Lockyer slotted a field goal in the final minutes of the half to give Brisbane a valuable 13-0 advantage at the break.The hosts had several attacking raids early in the second half but they were continually frustrated by poor finishing and some desperate defence from Brisbane.

The Eels continued to look the more likely to score as the game wore on but when Brad Thorn bustled over for the Broncos' third against the run of play with 15 minutes left the contest was effectively over.A late try from Steve Michaels added further insult to injury for the Eels, who had performed better than the scoreline suggested in their final home game of the regular season.

Broncos 23
Tries: Hodges, Parker, Thorn, MichaelsConversions: Lockyer 2, Parker Field goal: Lockyer

Eels 0