The final score was 40-20 in favour of the home side, but it did not reflect what a tough contest it was when East Campbelltown Eagles hosted Auburn Warriors in the latest round of the Sydney Shield rugby league competition.
Indeed the high flying Eagles can thank the huge crowd at Waminda Oval for their contribution to the final result.
The Auburn Warriors boast some big boppers in their ranks and it could have so easily been an upset on the cards.
But it took just two minutes for the Eagles to score after kick off.
Ben Baker found an opening to score for the Eagles and he converted his try for a 6-0 lead.
The Eagles were in again when the visitors’ defence were unable to stop big Fred Tevega near the line.
Tevega crashed over for a four pointer and the Eagles looked unstoppable when Fusi Toutai scored out wide to give the home side a 14-0 lead.
But just when it looked like a rout was on the way, Auburn stepped up the attack, regained momentum and was rewarded with two tries to bring the score back to 16-10.
Just before half time the Eagles scored again when Fred Tevega got his double for the day.
At half time the Eagles went into the sheds leading 20-10.
In the second stanza the game went up a gear and was even more entertaining than the first half.
More importantly for the local fans who turned up in droves, the Eagles started putting the finishing touches to their eventual victory.
Tries to Craig Moustakas, Wayde Dunley, Jarryd Eggleton and Fusi Toutai put the issue beyond doubt.
Auburn ran in a couple of late tries but it was no threat to the final score.
Coach Richard Barnes said afterwards: “That was a tough game – Auburn is such physical side, the score line didn’t reflect the game.
“We are lucky we have the week off because Auburn has given us a few injuries,” Barnes said.
The Eagles next home game is in two weeks on Sunday, April 17, when they host St Marys from 2.30pm in first grade. Earlier matches will begin from 10am.
The club will also celebrate Life Members and Sponsors Day.
