In conditions better suited to a ski field, the East Coast Eagles won its third game in a row against the Western Suburbs Magpies on Sunday.
It was cold, windy and wet and these conditions made it very difficult to play good football in. However, the first half of football shown by the Eagles would have been a high standard even in dry conditions. The skill level, the defensive pressure and the commitment shown by all was first class.
The Eagles kicked six goals to one in both quarters and only allowed the Magpies to kick one goal for the half. To lead 12.2 (74) to 1.4 (10) in the conditions was probably the best first half shown by the Eagles this year.
As the conditions continued to deteriorate, the standard of the game dropped and the second half turned very sloppy. The Eagles continued to dominate but could only manage two goals out of 12 shots at goal, compared to West's five shots at goal in the second half.
The match was set up in the first half though and the Eagles were never troubled in running out 61-point winners. The final scoreboard read 14.12 (96) to 5.5 (35). The Eagles continue to hang on to fourth spot and it sets up a great return clash with Sydney Uni next week, who beat the Eagles in the first round.
Ed Wilson in only his second game for the club was outstanding in the ruck and was ably supported by Jon Vlatko and Shane Ryan. Down back Blake Ure and Phil Entwisle were impenetrable and Damian Bowles was very creative on the wing.
The reserves game never reached great heights throughout the whole game but the Eagles did enough to pull away in the last quarter to win by 32 points. Michael Murrell continued on his good form as did Ryan Fitton. Rowan Bilkey was good in his first game back from injury and Michael Johnston enjoyed the chance to play a full game.
The Eagles ran out winners 10.15 (75) to the Magpies 6.7 (43).
The Premier Cup under-18s made it three wins for the day after a close fought victory by two points. The game was in the balance all the way through the game but it was an inspired last quarter performance from Trent Stubbs that made the difference. Josh Shepherd, Alex Groome and Jack Gillingham were also valuable contributors to the victory. The Eagles won 9.14 (68) to 9.12 (66).
The Challenge Cup team took on Moorebank Sports and again competed well for three quarters but the one lase in the second quarter cost them any chance of victory. Moorebank ran out winners 8.16 (64) to 7.5 (47). Robert Goisisi, Andrew Jamison and Matthew Mack were the best on the day.
Next Saturday the Eagles are back at Charles McLaughlin Reserve against Sydney Uni. The under-18s start at 10.00am and the seniors will finish the day starting at 2.10pm.
The Challenge Cup boys travel to Manly and also play at 10.00am on Saturday.
