The East Campbelltown Eagles have booked their place in the 2018 NSW Sydney Shield 2018 grand final after defeating highly ranked Moorebank Rams 24-20 in the elimination final on Saturday.
The Eagles will take on seventh place Guildford Owls in the decider this coming Saturday, September 22, at Leichhardt Oval, with a 1pm kickoff.
It will be the third Sydney Shield grand final appearance in five years for the Eagles, an incredible feat.
“These men have once again been fantastic representatives of the Campbelltown area,’’ said club president Daniel Draper.
“To compete in such a strong competition and playing in a third grand final in just five years is an achievement that hasn’t been done in the Campbelltown region before.’’
Supporters buses will be leaving from the Bradbury Inn at 11.15am – to book tickets contact Daniel Draper on 0425 335 345.
Lack of ball security against Moorebank on Saturday, especially in the first half, almost cost the Eagles dearly.
Eagles coach Richard Barnes delivered a half time roasting to his players, who responded with a much improved second half performance.
The Eagles had a strong start to the game, scoring the first try for a 6-0 lead.
But they paid the price for the lack of ball security, which allowed Moorebank back in the game.
The Rams scored three first half tries to go to the break leading 12-6 to have the Eagles under the pump.
Moorebank opted to take a penalty goal to increase the margin to 14-6 early in the second half.
The Rams were on the attack again 30 metres out for what looked a possible try, but Eagles centre Theo Leato pounced for an intercept to run 70 metres to score under the post.
With Moorebank still leading at 14-12, the Eagles stepped up the pace before Brett Lahey crashed over.
With 20 minutes remaining the Eagles had the lead at 18-14 and when young recruit Kobe Chamblain crashed over from a quick Mason Talolua play the ball it looked like East Campbelltown would run away with the game.
But with the score at 24-14 and 10 minutes remaining, the Moorebank Rams didn’t throw in the towel and to their credit gave everything they had.
The Rams were awarded a try we just four minutes remaining on the clock to bring the game back to 24-20 and make the Eagles nervous once again.
Moorebank’s last scoring opportunity was snuffed out when a desperate Shannon Gallant dived on the loose ball.
Man of the match award went to Grant Lahey with his brother Brett Lahey receiving the players player award; Alex Potifara, Fili Havea, Ronny Palumbo, John Da Silva were also standouts for East Campbelltown.
Coach Richard Barnes said afterwards: “naturally I’m ecstatic with the victory as I thought the conditions on the day suited Moorebank.
“I was very disappointed with our first half completions but I have to praise our players for their willingness not to give up,’’ said the coach.
