A spilled ball over the tryline was the defining moment for East Campbelltown Eagles during the grand final replay with Mounties at Waminda Oval on the weekend.
The 2016 Sydney Shield premiers clawed their way to a six point deficit in the second half and with momentum shifting their way, it looked like this match would go the way of last year’s decider.
But when hooker Jarryd Eggleton dropped the ball over the line with 20 minutes remaining, the visitors turned defence into attack to score an 80 metre try and extinguish any hopes the Eagles had of winning.
As happens in rugby league so often, the Eagles dropped their intensity and the Mounties raced in four tries in the last 20 minutes of play to wrap up the match 40-10.
The grand final replay was a real arm wrestle from the start and it was the Mounties who drew first blood.
The visitors scored 12 minutes into the match and then repeated the dose just four minutes later to have the defending premiers 10-0 down in front of their supporters.
When the Eagles finally got a share of the possession they put it to good use when Sean Connor crossed for a four pointer in the 30th minute, reducing the deficit to 10-4.
But just before the break the visitors replied in kind to go into sheds with 16-4 lead.
The second half started well for the home side when Mason Talolua scored and Connor converted the try.
With the score at 16-10, the game intensified and huge hits from both teams made it a good spectacle for the large crowd on hand.
Just when it looked like the premiers were going to come out on top, a spilled ball over the tryline marked the beginning of the end.
Despite the 40-10 scoreline, Eagles coach Richard Barnes was upbeat after the match.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“It was a really good game today and our boys put in a good effort,’’ Barnes said.[/social_quote]
“Mounties were better on the day, they put a very good side on the paddock to beat us today, but we still have a lot of improvement in our side.”
Best for the Eagles were Grant Lahey, Fred Tevega and Sean Connor while the Man of the Match went to Chris Standing and player’s player to Aaron Teariki.
♦ The East Campbelltown Eagles will take on big brother the Western Suburbs Magpies at Campbelltown stadium this Saturday at 1pm.
