Despite having key players unavailable because of injuries, East Campbelltown Eagles accounted for Asquith Magpies in round eight of the 2015 NSWRL Sydney Shield competition on Sunday.
The Eagles not only recorded an impressive victory but also once again defended the fortress at Waminda Oval.
On top of that the Eagles were giving debut jerseys to two new players, filling spots vacated by those on the injured list.
Yet it was the visitors who opened the scoring, with Asquith getting a four pointer under the posts to shoot to an early 6-0 lead.
Flying fullback Ben Baker then returned fire for the Eagles with a try in the corner – finished off with a fantastic kick from the side line to level the scores at 6 all.
In a very entertaining first half the teams traded tries but the home team went to the sheds just ahead on the scoreboard at 18-16.
The two Eagles tries were bagged by Mandella Faleafaga and Solomona Fainifo, one of the players making his Sydney Shield debut.
The Eagles started strongly in the second half with front rower Guy Thompson crashing over under the posts.
Ben Baker then snared his second for the day with a very entertaining try in the corner and when the other player on debut Ross Mati-Lerfi scored under the posts it just about wrapped up the game for the Eagles.
The final score after such a solid display was 34-26 to the home side.
Best for the reigning premiers were Guy Thompson, Ross Mati-Lerfi, Ben Baker and Craig Moustakas
In round 9 of the competition, the Eagles take on Cabramatta this Saturday at New Era Stadium at 12 noon.
♦ It’s almost that time of the year again when the East Campbelltown Eagles pay tribute to former player and popular local Ben Stevens. On Sunday, May 24, the Eagles will take on Wests Magpies for the Benny Stevens Cup to raise money and awareness for local mental health foundation Headspace.
A special Headspace jersey will be designed for the day, with eight spots available for jersey sponsorship. For $250 you will have your logo displayed on these one off jerseys, and you also receive a jersey to keep).
If you are interested in one of the spots, please contact Daniel Draper on 0425 335 345.
