East Campbelltown Eagles have secured the minor premiership with one round left in the competition.
A draw with Guildford on the weekend was enough to put them three points ahead on the competition ladder. They have a bye this weekend before heading into the first semi finals the following week.
The Eagles have been in the Sydney Shield competition since 2014, winning it in 2014 and 2016, but this is the club’s first minor premiership since 2012, when they dominated the Group 6 competition, winning it undefeated.
East Campbelltown’s president Daniel Draper heaped praise on club coach Richard Barnes and his staff for a sterling effort.
“The club would like to thank and congratulate Richard and the coaching staff on another successful season,’’ Mr Draper said.
“It’s been an amazing year for the Eagles with a club record of just over 420 registered players, which makes it the largest rugby league club in the Campbelltown area.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“We have already seen our under 9s division 1, under 11s division 1, under 12 division 1 and our reserve grade team qualify for the grand final in the first week of semi-finals.[/social_quote]
“A huge thanks to all our sponsors that help get these teams on the paddock.’’
Draper, alongside his son Blake, was a member of the reserve grade Eagles team that on Sunday defeated local rivals Minto 28-18 to qualify for the grand final in two weeks at Campbelltown Sports Ground.
On Saturday at Mcreedie Oval, Guildford, East Campbelltown had to be content with a 34-34 draw despite scoring seven tries, one more than the home side.
Daniel Muir, Grant Lahey, Alex Potifara, Chris Standing, Sean Connor, Theo Leato and Craig Moustakas all scored tries.
Best for the Eagles were Grant Lahey and Amanono Tovio, while their man of the match award went to Kobe Chamberlain and players’ player honour to Jarryd Eggleton.
