East Campbelltown Eagles have one hand on the minor premiership.
After a hard earned win over Cabramatta on the weekend, the Eagles are on top of the ladder on 32 points, two ahead of St Marys on 30.
The Eagles and St Marys have dominated the 2018 Sydney Shield premiership from go to whoa.
There’s a good chance the two horse race will go all the way to the big dance of the grand final in a few weeks.
However third placed Moorebank Rams may have something to say about that.
The Rams, in their second year in Sydney Shield, loom as the dark horse of the premiership.
As for the Eagles, barring a sudden form collapse, they should wrap up the minor premiership in two weeks.
The Eagles trek to McCreedie Park Guildford this Sunday to take on home side the Owls from 1pm.
The following week, in their final home and away hit out before the finals, the Eagles are back at home – Waminda Oval – to host Penrith on Sunday, August 26.
Last Saturday the Eagles had to work hard to finish on top of Cabramatta Two Blues at New Era Stadium.
It should have been an easy win after a brilliant start which saw the Eagles go to the break leading 30-6.
Tries to Daniel Muir, Baden Stewart, Craig Moustakas and a double to Sean Connor, who also kicked five from five, had East Campbelltown in a comfortable position.
But the wheels wobbled in the second stanza and they could only score one more try while leaking 20 points.
Naturally, Eagles coach Richard Barnes wasn’t happy with the second half performance despite running out winners 34-26.
Best and fairest for the Eagles was Sean Connor with a total of 18 points for the day while Craig Moustakas received the players’ player award.
- This Sunday the Eagles reserve grade will take on Minto Cobras for a place in the grand final. In other semi finals the Eagles Opens women’s team will play Berala Bears, the Under 20s will take on Asquith Magpies and Under 16s will clash with Chester Hill Hornets.
