Super boot Sean Connor kicked 13 goals as the East Campbelltown Eagles got their premiership title defence back on track with an 82-6 shellacking of Sydney University at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.
Man of the match Connor also crossed for a hat trick of tries for a club record of 38 points in one game.
But as far as head coach Richard Barnes was concerned the most pleasing aspect of the win was that the Eagles went on with it after leading 36-6 at halftime.
A week earlier they led 16-0 before dropping their intensity to go on and lose the game.
Against the students the Eagles came out firing in the second half – a big change of attitude from recent games.
“It was a very pleasing result,’’ said the coach after the match.
“We had a change in game plan and especially attitude and it worked excellent.
“Most pleasing result was our discipline, giving away just two penalties all game,’’ Barnes said, before issuing a warning against complacency from his players.
“We have the week off with a bye but then a very tough game against St Mary’s,’’ he said.
Campbelltown captain Mason Talolua scored first and Sean Connor converted to put the Eagles 6-0 ahead against University.
Sydney Uni levelled the scores at 6 apiece when they crossed for a try of their own nine minutes into the first half.
But that was as close as they got: in response, the Eagles hit top gear, running in tries to Eddie Vatuvai, Tom Morrison, Shannon Gallant, Sean Connor and Dwayne Lemafa.
Connor kicked 6 from 6 for the Eagles to go into the break at 36-6.
The second half was another try-fest with Alex Potifara, Theo Leato bagging one each and Dwayne Lemafa, Amanono Tovio, Eddie Vatuvai all scoring doubles.
Best for the Eagles were Mason Talolua, Eddie Vatuvai, Jarryd Eggleton; the players’ player award went to Shannon Gallant.
Eagles will host St Mary’s at Waminda “Tint Me Up” Oval on August 18.
OTHER RESULTS
Reserve Grade: East Campbelltown 34 def Greystanes 4;
Under 23: Mounties 20 def East Campbelltown 16.
