After having a week off due to representative football, the East Coast Eagles were looking to take their season on an upward spiral with a win at Wollongong on Saturday night. On a cold but still night the Eagles had everything to play for. If they were to have any chance of playing finals football this game had become a must win.
At half-time you would have thought that the Wollongong Lions were the side whose season was on the line. East Coast did not seem to be in the game at any stage and the score read Wollongong 8.5 to the Eagles 4.5. With the third quarter being a bogey quarter for the Eagles things were not looking good.
With a rev up from the coach at half-time it was a different Eagles team that took the field in the third quarter. They were first to the ball, they worked together as a team and they were worked hard defensively. They did all the little things that are needed to be successful and it showed on the scoreboard. Five goals to none and the Eagles had hit the front; a lead they would not relinquish.
A final quarter four goals to two meant a 24-point half-time deficit turned into a 21-point victory. A 45-point turnaround which in the end showed that the Eagles can respond when under pressure. However against good sides the effort that was shown in the second half must be shown for four quarters.
Ben Rogers was outstanding with six goals and Ryan Smyth showed the form which the Eagles had been looking for from him. When they needed someone to stand up it was Ben and Ryan who led the way. They were ably supported by the consistent Mark Maher, Michael Johnston and Michael Sankey. The final score was the Eagles 13.13 (91) to 10.10 (70).
The reserve grade side after two straight losses were keen to get back into winning ways and dominated from the first minute and were never troubled. The scoreboard at the end of the day read the Eagles 13.14 (92) to the Lions 1.11 (17).
Aaron Byerlee was great in only his second game for the club and Rod Frost was also good up front with seven goals. Darren Chapman and Ryan Fitton both contributed well. For Ryan the game being his first game of the season it was good sign for better things to come from him.
The under-18 side started the day off in style with a comfortable 26-point win. With a few pull-outs before the game and some early injuries, it was a gusty win by the team. With a bye next weekend and no game on the June long weekend it will hopefully enable a few players to get back on the paddock in three weeks’ time.
Trent Stubbs, Alex Groome and Sam Lewis led the team well and all put in impressive displays. The Eagles ran out winners with the score reading 8.10 (58) to 4.8 (32).
The Challenge Cup boys took on Macquarie Uni and after a close first half they could not match it with the Warriors for the whole game. The score was Mac Uni 8.1 (63) to the Eagles 3.5 (23). David Elliott and Jack Dimery were fantastic all day.
Next Saturday the Eagles take on Balmain at Charles McLaughlin Reserve the seniors will be at 2.10pm and the reserves at 12.00 midday. The Challenge Cup boys will start the day at 10.00am against Penrith and the Premier Cup will have the week off after Balmain pulled out of the competition last week.
