East Campbelltown Eagles Sydney Shield put on another dominant display when they took on the Hills District Bulls on the weekend.
The Sydney Shield leaders ran in a dozen tries in the 70-24 demolition of the Bulls.
Most of the carnage took place in the second stanza, with just four first half tries to the Eagles.
Amanono Tovio and Grant Lahey bagged one each, with a double to Theodore Leato.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Eagles in the first 40 minutes: the Bulls also posted 16 points to head to the sheds at the break just eight points in arrears.
The 24-16 score resulted in a half time roasting by coach Richard Barnes and the Eagles boys responded by coming out firing in the final 40 minutes.
Tries to John Da Silva, Aaron Teariki, and doubles to Shannon Gallant, Daniel Muir and Miller Leilua on debut meant the Bulls were blasted off the park.
The Eagles paid a price for their big win: they have lost hooker Vince Ripepi for four to six weeks with a fractured hand.
“We really didn’t complete in that first half but in the second half we showed what attacking power we have,’’ said a happier Barnes after the conclusion of the match.
“And I was just happy to see the guys responded well.”
Grant Lahey received the Eagles Best and Fairest award while the players player award went to debutant front rower Miller Leilua.
The Eagles reserve grade secured the minor premiership in the Sydney Combined Competition with an impressive 54-10 thumping to local rivals Minto, while the Eagles 20s and Women’s team both enjoyed the bye.
East Campbelltown will play Cabramatta this Saturday at New Era Stadium while the 16s, 20s and Women’s team will play at Waminda Oval on Sunday, with games from 11am.
