The mighty East Campbelltown Eagles celebrated Polynesian round with a dominant display against St Marys at Waminda Oval on Sunday.
This was a clash of the giants – the two teams which have shared the competition lead for most of the 2018 Sydney Shield season.
A substantial crowd was on hand, but if they came to see a close contest they would have been disappointed because the Eagles were just too good on the day, winning 38-6.
St Marys got within eight points early in the second half but eventually the Eagles blew them off the park.
The win means the Eagles are now stand alone leaders, two points clear of St Marys.
Not that coach Richard Barnes is getting carried away four weeks out from the finals.
“Our guys needed a huge game today and they responded well,’’ Barnes said.
“It was a good win that could see us finish with the minor premiership.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“But we still have a lot of work to do as we head into the semi finals,’’ Barnes said.[/social_quote]
He would have been most pleased with the awesome defensive effort produced by his side, conceding just one try to St Marys.
Despite losing young hooker Baden Stewart to a head concussion, the Eagles outside backs ran riot off the back of the bruising defence form the forwards.
Tries to Craig Moustskas, Theo Leato and Amanono Tovio has the home side head to the sheds leading 14-0.
St Mary’s came out firing in the second half with an early try to reduce the deficit to eight points at 14-6.
But that was it for the men from the foot of the mountains as the Eagles responded with an avalanche of tries.
John Da Silva, Fili Havea, Brett Lahey and Moustakas all crossed to make it a big win for the high flying Eagles.
Sean Connor kicked five from seven attempts – an excellent effort in the windy conditions.
Best for the Eagles were Alex Potifara, Fili Havea, Shannon Gallant, and Mason Talolua.
The players’ player award went to Amanono Tovio and the best and fairest honours to Grant Lahey.
It was a great all round day for the East Campbelltown Eagles club with victories in the U20s, who defeated Berowra 52-10, reserve grade winning 32-18 against Five Dock and the U16 too good for Berala 20-6.
The Eagles opens women’s team went down to competition favourites Redfern All Blacks 18-6 but are still in the running for semi final spot.
NEXT WEEK: This coming Sunday, August 5, East Campbelltown Eagles will host Hills Bulls at Waminda Oval in round 17 of the Sydney Shield. Match kick off will be 2.30pm.
