East Campbelltown Eagles just love years that end in an even number and 2018 is no exception.
Their record in the past six years is:
- Group 6 undefeated premiers 2012
- CRL Clayton’s Cup winners 2012
- NSWRL Sydney Shield Premiers 2014
- NSWRL Sydney Shield Premiers 2016
- NSWRL Sydney Shield Premiers 2018
That last trophy was won on Saturday afternoon when the Eagles proved too strong for Guildford in the NSW Sydney Shield Premiership grand final played at Leichhardt Oval.
The Eagles led 20-0 at half time, overcame some wobbles in the early part of the second half and held on to win 32-22 against the Owls.
After the grand final victory, Eagles president Daniel Draper heaped praised on long serving coach Richard Barnes.
“He should now be regarded as the most successful coach in the history of rugby league in the Campbelltown area,’’ Draper said.
“Richard Barnes has a record that no other coach could match.’’
A humble Barnes passed the credit for the grand final victory to his players.
“I couldn’t be any more prouder of the guys’ efforts,’’ he said.
“We have had an amazing year, winning both the minor and major premierships.
“We have a core group that have remained loyal for many years and to add such young talent into the squad is a great mix.
“I’m blessed to have such a hard working committee and coaching staff behind me and everyone at East has a job to do and they do it so well.
“To get the win today and to do it for Wayde Dunley makes it so more special, we know he’s looking over his mates at East Campbelltown,’’ Richard Barnes said.
Mr Draper said that the club was grateful to all of their supporters.
“A huge thanks to all our sponsors that help get our guys on the paddock,’’ Mr Draper said.
“Our guys represent Campbelltown and we couldn’t do it without the support of our local loyal sponsors.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“We are in a competition that consists of teams that have the backing of big Leagues clubs, and to have so much success without the backing of any Leagues club is just an amazing accomplishment.[/social_quote]
“But that amazing accomplishment comes from the dedicated talented players we have in Campbelltown,’’ he said.
Brett Lahey, who had a blinder in leading the Eagles to victory on Saturday, took out the man of the match award.
The Campbelltown boys muscled up from the start to blow the Owls off the park in the first 40 minutes.
The first try came after Grant Lahey and Theo Leato drove the Guildford fullback into the ground forcing an error in the seventh minute.
It didn’t take long to turn 6-0 into 12-0 and that man Brett Lahey was involved once again.
Lahey put Theo Leato into open spaces and he was able to link with winger Craig Moustakas, who bagged the first of his two grand final tries.
Thirteen minutes before half time Aaron Teariki created a blind side play and hit a flying Amanono Tovio, who scored in the corner to stretch the lead at 16-0.
The next set of six the Eagles were in again and it was easily the try of the day.
Brett Lahey capitalised from a Mason Talolua break with a cross field kick that saw Moustakas in the clear for his second four pointer.
Guildford finally found some possession but could not crack the physical Eagles defensive line and the combatants headed to the sheds with East Campbelltown leading 20-0.
The start of the second stanza was not what coach Richard Barnes would have told his charges to do: no fewer than five dropped balls.
Guildford took advantage to score the next two tries and at 20-12 the Eagles camp would have got a little nervous.
But luckily the Eagles awakened from their brief slumber and started to play football again.
A Brett Lahey kick looking for a flying Grant Lahey rebounded and the Eagles centre Theo Leato was on the spot to score for the Eagles at 26-12.
It was that man again Brett Lahey who sealed it for the Eagles when he scored an individual try with 10 minutes to push the score to 32-12.
Guildford rallied hard and did finish with two tries in the last 10 minutes of the game but it was all too late as the Eagles ran out winners and premiers at 32-22.
Standouts for the Eagles were Theo Leato, Mason Talolua and Grant Lahey, while Ronny Palumbo won the game ball after being voted players’ player.
Now all the Eagles have to do is try to win a title in a year that ends in an odd number – bring on 2019.
