East Coast Eagles held off a determined Camden Cats side to win their AFL Sydney Premier Division clash on Saturday afternoon by 23 points, reports MIKE SHEAN, of Macarthur Sports Radio.
The Eagles had a battle on their hands for more than three quarters, before pulling away in the final term to secure the four points at Fairfax Reserve.
East Coast came out of the blocks well, kicking four goals to one in the opening term, while Camden struggled in front of goal, managing only 1-4 in the first period.
The Cats clawed back in the second term, reducing the margin to six points at the main break, as they kicked three goals to one.
Camden really rallied in the quarter, while applying plenty of pressure, especially in the midfield, as players like Luke Vella came into the game. Blake Pearce and Jordan Ware also fed off the midfield pressure, as the Cats fought back into the game well.
Both teams held each other well in an even third quarter, as the Eagles and Cats each kicked three goals apiece. As a result, the Eagles clung to a two point lead at the final change.
The experience from the Eagles proved too strong in the final term, kicking 4 goals 1 to four behinds, as the Eagles ran out 23 point winners.
Despite the loss, Camden’s coaching staff, led by Craig Beveridge, will be pleased with the effort.
Camden head to Waverley Oval to meet UTS next Saturday afternoon, with the opening bounce at 2.15pm. Dave McDonald and the team will bring you the call, with coverage from 1.45pm, on MSR.
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In rugby news, after a week off following a narrow 20-19 loss in round three, the Campbelltown Harlequins are preparing to host old rivals Bowral in round four of the Illawarra Rugby Premiership.
The clash is slated for this Saturday, May 5 a Campbelltown Showground.
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Eighteen year old Narellan Jets junior Gus Garzaniti made his ISP Cup debut for Wests Magpies on the weekend.
Garzaniti, who played five eighth for Wests, has been working hard coming through the Wests Tigers system and it great to see his hard work is paying off.
Last season he played 10 games for Wests Tigers NYC Holden Cup and has been also playing Jersey Flegg this season.
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Macarthur Rams have climbed off the bottom of the Football NSW NPL2 ladder, with a dominant and impressive 4-1 win over Parramatta FC at Lynwood Park. MIKE SHEAN, who was there with the Macarthur Sports Radio crew reports:
The Rams looked in control of the match from the opening whistle.
They opened the scoring early, and seemed to grow in confidence against an Eagles side which often appeared second to the ball.
Macarthur added another two goals in the first half, and with Mark Symington and Mathew Trotter controlling midfield and defence respectively, the Rams were in total command.
Young goalkeeper Nikola Bratic, in for the injured Jair Fernandez, rarely looked threatened in goal for the Rams, and managed to deal with any threats easily in a good night at the office.
A 3-0 scoreline at halftime pleased Rams’ coach Eddie Briscoe, but he would have wanted more of the same from his side in the second half, while Parramatta were looking for any way back into the game.
Unfortunately for the visitors, this wasn’t to be, as the Rams continued to control the game, and the tempo, frustrating the Eagles constantly.
The Rams added a fourth goal, courtesy of Symington, who bagged two.
Parramatta did add a consolation goal late in the game, but it was too little too late.
Macarthur head to Valentine Sports Park for a meeting with Rydalmere on Saturday night, knowing they have a good chance of taking another three points and moving further up the ladder than their current position of 11th.
