East Campbelltown Eagles will tomorrow try to save their Sydney Shield season in a sudden death semi final with Asquith Magpies from 11am at Jubilee Oval.
After a brilliant season, the Eagles lost the qualification final 32-10 to Wentworthville last weekend and now find themselves just one match away from oblivion.
Maybe the Sydney Shield squad will draw some inspiration from their reserve grade, who were led to grand final victory last weekend by their evergreen skipper Daniel Draper, a life member of the club.
Playing alongside his son, Blake, the “old man’’ played his heart out in trying to finish his long career with an exclamation mark.
Sometimes in life wishes come true – the Eagles defeated Minto Cobras 26-18 to claim the premiership and send out the 45 year old skipper covered in glory.
It was not the first time the Eagles have won a reserve grade premiership, but it was the first time with a father and son playing combination.
“I couldn’t ask for a more fitting finish to my career,’’ Daniel Draper said after the match.
“To play alongside my son and good mates for many years, I couldn’t be happier.
“It’s sad to retire but I’m very grateful for the long career I’ve had.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The team had to dig deep and I’m proud of every guy in our team that played their hearts out, a win I will always remember.’’[/social_quote]
East Campbelltown reserve grade play in the Sydney Combined Competition, which stretches as far as Five Dock and Seven Hills.
But it turned out the grand final was a local derby between the Eagles and Minto Cobras.
Minto Cobras scored two tries from kicks which gave them a 12-0 lead 20 minutes into the first half, but just before the stroke of half time Daniel Draper turned back the clock when he created a gap and the Eagles were back in the game at 12-6.
The Eagles hit the lead at 16-12 after Adrian and Corey Harrison bagged a meat pie each.
Adrian Harrison scored a second to give the Eagles an eight point buffer with 15 minutes remaining, but Minto rallied back to score near the post for a nail biting finish to the grand final.
When the third Harrison brother, Hayden, scored a spectacular try in the corner the Eagles knew the game was in the bag at 26-18.
Time will tell if it was enough to inspire the Eagles Sydney Shield team for tomorrow’s elimination final.
