East Campbelltown Eagles will again have to do it the hard way if they are to win their second premiership in succession.
Having finished sixth after the completion of the home and away season – one place lower than last year – the Eagles will take on Belrose Eagles this Saturday at 12pm at St Mary’s Stadium in the first elimination semi final.
The Eagles were gallant in defeat on the weekend, narrowly beaten by joint competition leaders St Marys 24-22.
Being in the finals is a mighty achievement considering the huge injury toll, which has deprived first grade of the services of several stars over the past couple of months.
The club is celebrating another “amazing year’’ in both juniors and seniors.
No fewer than five of their junior clubs head into grand finals this weekend.
“I’m so proud of everyone’s efforts from the 6s all the way up to Sydney Shield,’’ said club secretary Tammy Draper.
“Good luck to our Under 9s, 10s, 11s, 12s and 15s in their grand finals on the weekend.
“The club is going from strength to strength and the talent we have coming through makes for an exciting future,’’ she said.
Against St Marys on Sunday the Eagles scored a try just before half time to head to the sheds 12-6 down.
Eagles made it 12-12 when Ben Baker scored and converted his own try in the second half.
But St Mary’s responded with two tries of their own to push the score out to 22-12.
Baker crossed for a second try to get the Eagles back into the game at 22-16.
But the deficit became eight points when St Marys kicked a penalty goal and that ultimately proved the difference.
Baker scored his third with two minutes to go but the home side held on to win 24-22.
Eagles coach Richard Barnes said afterwards: “It was always going to be a tough game with St Marys at their home ground.
“They are a huge side but I am happy our guys stayed with them.
“We can play better and hopefully that form comes out in the semi finals,’’ Barnes said.
