Vunivalu brace gives Storm fifth straight NRL win

Omnisports

May 22, 2016 11:23 PM

Melbourne Storm recorded a fifth straight NRL win by beating Parramatta Eels 18-6 on the road to move level on points with leaders Cronulla Sharks.

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Melbourne Storm recorded a fifth consecutive NRL win by beating Parramatta Eels 18-6 on the road on Monday to move level on points with leaders Cronulla Sharks.

The Eels, who are set to be deducted 12 points for breaches of the salary cap, saw half-back Kieran Foran return to action after a month on the sidelines due to personal issues.

But he could not inspire Parramatta to victory as Melbourne secured the points in a gritty display, although a hyper-extended elbow suffered by full-back Cameron Munster will give Storm coach Craig Bellamy cause for concern.

Cooper Cronk took advantage of an overlap to feed winger Suliasi Vunivalu for the opening try in the seventh minute.

Marika Koroibete doubled Melbourne's lead seven minutes before half-time as he touched down from Blake Green's chip.

Cameron Smith - who failed with the conversion attempts for both tries - set up Vunivalu for his second try after 62 minutes and added the extras, with Cheyse Blair then going over in the corner to put the game beyond doubt.

Michael Jennings crossed for a consolation a minute from time but that was the home fans at Pirtek Stadium had to cheer as the beleaguered Eels slipped to a third defeat in four matches.

Omnisports