East Campbelltown Eagles have emerged victorious from the first of two homes games in a row as they shoot for a top two finish.
The 2016 Sydney Shield premiers disposed the Guildford Owls 34-14 with a superb defensive display at Waminda Oval on Sunday.
Things get a little harder in the second home game in a row this coming Sunday [May 21] when the Eagles will host the high flying St Marys at Waminda.
Yesterday’s match did not start well for the Eagles.
Half Wayde Dunley broke his hand in the opening minutes.
Then the visitors scored an early try in the corner for a 4-0 lead to add to the home side’s concerns.
But Campbelltown responded quickly with a try to five-eight Brett Lahey.
When Connor converted the try the Eagles hit the lead 6-4.
The Eagles were hit with another injury when Samoa Meafua was taken from the field with a gash to the head.
Repeating the script from the start of the game, Guildford scored again to regain the lead at 8-6.
But once again the Eagles hit right back with another try when full back Sean Connor found some room out wide to score and then converted his own try.
The Eagles were leading on the scoreboard 12-8 as the teams went off for the half time break.
The second half was all Eagles as the home side increased their intensity in both defence and attack.
Tries to Ben Baker and Mason Talolua stretched the lead to 22-8.
And when Baker scored his second try the game looked in the bag at 28-8.
The only highlight after that was an all-in affray – the modern rugby league version with no punches thrown – that resulted in one player from each team sent to the sin bin.
Off the back of plenty of possession the visitors crossed for a four pointer to reduce the deficit to 28-14.
But their hopes were completely extinguished when Ben Baker picked up a third try for a hat trick.
Another great conversion to Sean Connor and the Eagles ran out winners 34-14.
Eagles coach Richard Barnes said he was very happy with the game.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The boys defended well and showed plenty of determination and fight considering we were left with two reserves after the injuries to Dunley and Meafua,’’ Barnes said.[/social_quote]
“I was a bit disappointed with a soft try we let in at the end but overall pleased with the team’s attitude and effort.’’
Best for the Eagles were Ronnie Palumbo, Chris Standing, Brett Lahey and Sean Connor, while man of the match went to Grant Lahey and players player to hat trick man Ben Baker.
