It’s been some time since the Eagles make the long trek to Campbelltown and had anything other than three wins from three. However, the much improved outer western Sydney club was ready for us this weekend and came out with all guns blazing right from 10am when the 18’s took to the battlefield. The Eagles led for 99% of this game and it wasn’t until the final 30 seconds that yet another 50 metre penalty was surrendered by East Coast, which resulted in the winning goal being put through by the Blues.

The score line of 10 17 (77) to 13 1 (79) was of interest in that ECE had 27 scoring shots to 14, but still lost by two points.

The Reserve Grade appeared from the rooms led out by Damien Gatte playing his 200^th game for the club (including the Falcons). There was an air of expectation amongst the crowd that the visiting team were the favourites and the boys let no one down as they powered through to a 44 point victory, 15 6 (96) to 8 4 (52). Gatte with four goals and Carl Doering took the honours as joint best players with Doering in particular putting in a fine performance in the ruck providing continual supply of the football to the forwards where Ben Physick took every opportunity in a return to form after injury.

At first grade level however, it was a different story with Campbelltown leading from the outset when the Blues’ outstanding full forward Matt Withers kicked two early goals to set the pattern for the day. Although “keeping in touch,” East Coast at no stage took the lead, however there was always the threat that the visitors would break back into the game. But it was not to be, as the more experienced home side over ran the leg weary Eagles in the final quarter to take a comprehensive win by 42 points, 16 14 (110) to 9 14 (68).

The combination of a lack of outdoor training due to the recent wet weather, a lengthy injury list and a very determined opponent meant that the Eagles were always going to find it tough going and the defeat sees them drop out of the top four to now lie fifth with seven wins. 

Best for East Coast were Jon Vlatko (pictured), who also won the Players’ Player award, Kristian Pearson making a rare appearance in the centre half-forward position, Brad Ure who again showed flair and talent at halfback and Gus Seebeck with three goals.

Over at Gwawley Oval the Southern Sharks denied the Eagles Challenge Cup U18’s their second victory for the season when they defeated Jon Lee’s boys 14 12 (96) to 6 12 (48). Best were Josh Patira, Max Pobihuska and Campbell Ford.  

Next weekend will again be a tough showdown when the Eagles travel to Olds Park in Hurstville on Sunday, July 15 for the rescheduled washed out round nine clash with the top of the table St George Crows while the Challenge Cup U18’s are at Charles McLaughlin Reserve on Sunday against Penrith / Nor-West.