East Campbelltown Eagles coach Richard Barnes paid tribute to his team after they downed Hills Blue 42-14 in the Sydney Shield on the weekend.
“Hills are a very tough side, they tried to put it over us but our guys didn’t take a backwards step,’’ Barnes said.
The coach singled out debutants Baden Stewart and James Tautaiolefua, who made the step up to first grade from the under 20s.
“The two youngsters playing up had amazing debuts and are great players to watch in the future,’’ Barnes said.
The Eagles are third on the ladder on percentages after six rounds.
Campbelltown opened the scoring after just four minutes when Chris Standing crossed.
Debutant James Tautaiolefua scored to give the Eagles a 10-0 lead, before momentum changed in favour of the Bulls.
After a barrage of attack the Bulls crossed for their first converted try to bring it back to 10-6.
James Tautaiolefua crossed for his second for the day for Campbelltown and the margin was extended to 14-6, which became 16-6 after a penalty right in front of the posts.
When Shannon Gallant scored to make 22-6 it looked like the Eagles would run away with it.
But just before half time the Bulls scored to go into the sheds at 22-10 and back in the game.
Gallant grabbed his second try early in the second half to extend the Eagles’ lead to 28-10.
In what would be their last points for the day, the Bulls crossed one more time, and from then on it was all Campbelltown.
Chris Standing got his second, Daniel Muir also crossed for a four pointer, and it was all over red rover.
- The Eagles will be at Waminda Oval this Sunday as they take on Cabramatta at 2.30pm
