East Campbelltown Eagles have started their 2020 Sydney Shield season with a 59-6 romp over Penrith Brothers.
The Eagles took just seven minutes to post first points at Hickeys Park, Penrith, with new five-eighth Muntasir Sheriff crossing the line first.
What followed was an avalanche of tries as the Eagles outside backs ran rings around the opposition.
Theo Leato and Ben Baker scored a try each, with former NRL champion Shannon Gallant bagging two.
Debutant Omar Awad scored a brilliant try in the corner while Shannon Gallant kicked three from six as the Eagles headed to the dressing sheds for half time leading 30 – 0.
Adam Soultan scored the first try soon after the resumption as the Eagles went on their merry way.
Ben Baker crossed for his second try for the day, and when hard running winger Jayke Lealuga-Puhotau pocketed a four pointer it was all over red rover for Penrith who were trailing 44-0 by then.
Another Eagles debutant, Ali Lata, scored a try, followed by one from veteran Amanono Tovio.
Ben Baker finished the try scoring tally when he crossed for aa personal hat trick.
Shannon Gallant successfully tested his field goal skills right on the bell for the final score of 59-6.
Best for the Eagles were Jimmy Laulilii, Mason Talolua and Ben Baker, with the man of the match going to Ali Lata and the players player award to Shannon Gallant.
East Campbelltown coach Richard Barnes praised his team, which boasted four players making their Sydney Shield debut.
Barnes said he was very happy with the team’s ball control in the slippery conditions and their defence, which kept the home side to just six points.
In round two East Campbelltown will play its first home game against the highly fancied Belrose Eagles at Waminda “Tint Me Up’’ Oval this Saturday at 4pm.
