The East Coast Eagles faced the top of the table UNSW/ES Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon in the match of the round at Charles McLaughlin Reserve. This contest would be the biggest test of the season so far for the in-form Eagles and after a hard fought battle it was East Coast who emerged 46-point victors.
The key to the win was the Eagles lifting their work rate as well as their superior ball usage after quarter time, with Ed Wilson dominating in the middle and marking all around the ground.
With dual match day sponsors Profiler Sales and Services and Wirtgen Australia watching on, the Eagles got off to a slow start with the Bulldogs leading by three goals at quarter time. Coach Glenn Garner urged his players to persist with the game plan and the Eagles started to pressure the flag favourites all over the ground, as well as on the scoreboard. Rowan Bilkey, who was moved on to the league's leading goalkicker Brad Abbott, repelled the Bulldogs' attack on a regular basis and after Abbott kicked early goals, Bilkey shut down the dangerous forward. It was a ‘finals like’ pressure game with the Eagles kicking four goals to two in the second term to trail by seven points at the main break.
The third quarter again started at a frantic pace with East Coast hitting the lead for the first time in the game. With a very supportive crowd at their back the Eagles soared, kicking six goals to one including first gamer Nathan “Nipper” Gordon kicking his first goal in senior footy for East Coast and he also racked up a ton of possessions across half back.
Leading by 20 points at the start of the last quarter the Eagles' team play was highlighted by the even spread of goalkickers led by Adam Floyd with three and a defence that kept the Bulldogs to two goals in the second half. When Lawrence Furlan roved and snapped a magnificent goal, the Eagles knew they had a victory over the top placed side in the bag.
Coach Garner was very happy with the team performance and stressed that whilst this was a good win, a lot more hard work needed to be done with a crucial game next week against the improving North Shore.
The Eagles ran out winners 16.11 (107) to the Bulldogs 8.13 (63) to move to second place on the ladder.
Reserve Grade also faced a top of the ladder Bulldogs and after a very even affair the Eagles, led by Steve O’Connor ran out impressive victors by 49 points. The Eagles won 14.14 (98) to 7.7 (49).
The Premier Cup under-18s had another good victory over St Ignatius College, Riverview to consolidate third spot on the ladder. East Coast won 16.20 (116) to 7.6 (48)
An under strength Challenge Cup team took on top side UNSW/ES and went down 15.13 (103) to 6.8 (44).
Next Saturday, July 5, the Eagles travel to Gore Hill Oval against North Shore while the Challenge Cup boys take on Pennant Hills at Ern Holmes Oval at 10.00am on Sunday, July 6.
Gore Hill
