The East Coast Eagles did enough in the second half to dispose of the Wollongong Lions but the club now turns its attention to next week and the all important clash against the Pennant Hills Demons.
After an indifferent first half the Eagles were dominant in the second half and outscored the Lions by 15 goals to two. The final score read the Eagles 23.13 (151) to the Lions 8.10 (58).
Gus Seebeck was dominant up forward and finished the game with seven goals. Luke Stanford continued his dominant form. James Mann in his first senior grade game this season showed great poise and skill in a promising display.
However once the game was over the thoughts quickly changed to the clash against league leaders, Pennant Hills. It is simple, beat Pennant Hills and finish in the top three or lose and barring some big upsets finish fourth.
Pennant Hills have proven to be a hard nut to crack for the Eagles in recent outings but that means little when the two teams take the field this Sunday. It will be a big boost psychologically for whoever wins and the local rivals will be sure to bring a big crowd to Pennant Hills come 2.00pm next Sunday.
The reserves had another strong victory and are also look forward to taking on Pennant Hills that is leading the competition but only two points ahead of the Eagles.
The Eagles ran out winners by 18.8 (116) to 8.12 (60).
Andrew Polkinghorne for the third game in a row was best on ground and he was ably supported by James Ford, Rod Frost and the ever improving David Griffith.
The under-18s Premier Cup side after a very low start could not quite peg back the five goal deficit during the first quarter and suffered a defeat which now puts pressure on the side next week to maintain there top three position on the ladder. At the end of the day the Lions won by 10.11 (71) to 8.14 (62).
Justin Steer with five goals and Josh Shepherd led the way for the Eagles.
It means when the second placed Eagles take on the third placed Demons next week, a loss for either team may see them drop to fourth.
The Challenge Cup team suffered another heart breaking loss to Macquarie Uni. After leading most of the day they could not quite hold on and lost by the smallest of margins, 1 point.
It would have been a great reward against the side that is second and once these boys learn to how to win, then watch out.
Murray Bamforth and Ryan McLennan were great for the Eagles.
Next week the Challenge Cup takes on Manly at Manly on Saturday at 8.15am.
Next Sunday at Ern Holmes Oval it is as follows:
Under-18s at 10am- Pennant Hills third v East Coast second
Reserves at 12pm- Pennant Hills first v East Coast third
Seniors at 2.10pm- Pennant Hills first v East Coast third
Don’t miss a minute.
