When the East Campbelltown Eagles and Mounties ran out on to the Waminda Oval on Sunday afternoon, it was the first game between the two clubs since the 2014 Sydney Shield grand final at Allianz Stadium.
The mighty Eagles, in their first year of the Sydney Shield premiership after being spurned by Group 6, won 27-20 in a fairytale finish to their inaugural season.
Yesterday’s reprisal of the clash saw Mounties turn the tables on the Eagles, winning the match 18-10.
There was controversy before the kick off when NSWRL, referees and the Mounties Club deemed unfit for play the surface of the top field at Waminda Oval, due to the covering of the cricket pitch and the uneven surface.
As a result of the ruling, the game was delayed for half an hour while it was relocated to the bottom field.
When the game finally got under way it was the Mounties who scored first after a few minutes for a 4-0 lead.
Outstanding defence from both sides shut down numerous scoring opportunities, which meant the teams went to the halftime break with the score still at 4-0 in favour of the visitors.
In the second half the Eagles equalised after a touchdown to replacement fullback Amanono Tovio, and it looked as though the home side were on their way.
But Mounties responded with two quick tries under the post to race to a commanding 16-4 lead.
They went further ahead with 20 minutes to go when they kicked a penalty goal.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]Five minutes later the Eagles scored through half back Sean Connor and he converted his own goal to finish the game, but it was too little, too late for the 2014 premiers.[/social_quote]
Best for the Eagles was Amanono Tovio, Mason Talolua, and Guy Thompson.
♦ The Eagles will be at home again this Sunday, June 28 when they host Wentworthville. It will be a 2.30pm kick off at Waminda Oval.
