East Campbelltown Eagles yesterday celebrated NAIDOC Week by wearing specially designed indigenous jerseys when they played Hills Bulls in round 18 of the NSWRL Sydney Shield competition.
The reigning premiers went on to win the match 26-10 with a five tries to two performance over the visitors.
It was the home side that posted first points when centre Fusi Toutai powered over the line to score out wide.
Ben Baker’s conversion was unsuccessful but the competition’s leading try scorer bagged the next touchdown for the Eagles.
When Baker converted his own try the home side led 10-0 and were looking comfortable.
But it was game on right on half time when the Bulls scored to go into the break only four points in arrears at 10-6.
The visitors scored again eight minutes after the resumption to level the scores at 10-10.
But that was as good as it got for the Bulls as the Eagles responded with an attacking rampage that resulted in three unanswered tries.
Giovanni Vatuvei, Chris Standing and Mason Talolua scored those three tries, while Baker converted two of them for the final score of 26-10.
Best for the Eagles were Amanono Tovio, Jarryd Eggleton, John Da Silva and Guy Thompson, with the man of the match award going to Ben Baker. The players’ player honour was awarded to Fusi Toutai.
Eagles coach Richard Barnes said it was a good win for his team.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Especially with our club celebrating NAIDOC Week, a day that meant so much, our guys – indigenous and non indigenous – played with so much passion,’’ Barnes said.[/social_quote]
Other results:
A Grade – East Campbelltown Eagles 22 defeated Ingleburn Bulldogs 10;
Under 19 – East Campbelltown Eagles 18 defeated Moorebank 16;
Under 17 – East Campbelltown Eagles 34 defeated Kingsgrove Colts 0.
♦ Following this weekend’s bye, the next Sydney Shield match for the Eagles is scheduled for Sunday, July 26 at Waminda Oval against fourth placed Peninsula Seagulls.
