The East Coast Eagles were slow out of the blocks last weekend and could not overcome a 31-point deficit to the UNSW/Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs after the first quarter. The Bulldogs came out snarling and used their height and weight advantage to take control and dominate the first term.
It was not the start new coach Glenn Garner was looking for and at quarter-time people were asking the Bulldogs by how much. The Eagles then worked themselves back into the contest and started to get back into the game. If not for inaccurate kicking they could have been a lot closer at half-time.
The rest of the game was a good battle but the Eagles could not get any closer than 17 points and the Bulldogs always seemed to have the answers when they needed it.
Coach Garner will have to turn things around quickly as it does not get any easier when they take on last year’s grand finalists in St George. It should be a hard week on the track working on their skills and ensuring the skill level of the side improves. The Eagles’ skill level let them down at critical times on the weekend and it has to improve for the team to go forward. The players also have to get rid of lazy habits of not reacting quickly enough when a turnover occurs. It is only round one, but it was a performance which was not good enough and one which needs to improve quickly.
The backline can certainly hold its head up high and Phil Entwisle, Damian Bowles and Row Bilkey were standouts. Bowles in his first game for the club proved what a valuable contributor he will be for the Eagles. Luke Stanford was also a good contributor, Michael Sankey tried very hard and Daniel Spiteri in his second first grade game showed glimpses of the talent he possesses.
Next week the seniors, reserves and Premier Cup U/18’s take on St George at Olds Park on Sunday April 13. The Challenge cup U/18’S start their campaign at Macquarie Uni on Saturday, April 12.
See you at the footy.
| UNSW/Eastern Subs | 6.3 | 9.3 | 11.3 | 14.4 |
| East Coast Eagles | 1.2 | 4.7 | 6.10 | 10.12 |
