AFTER AN AVERAGE performance in round four, the Toronto Eagles have secured their fifth straight win after destroying the Toronto Rebels by 71 points.
From the beginning of the match it was apparent to all in attendance, that the Eagles were intent on displaying a better brand of football. This was to be a match in which they remind everyone of why the Toronto Eagles are such a powerhouse in the league.
“We really needed to come out today and get a good solid win," said Eagles vice captain, Tasos Dimacakos. “And I think we showed the rest of the league that last week was just a lapse in our performance.”
This would be a challenge for the Eagles though, as for the second week in a row they came into the round with some key omissions to their list. Coach Aaron Falcioni didn’t see this as an issue and was confident that he had a list that could perform on the day.
“It’s true the past few weeks we’ve had some key players out but that’s not a concern,” Falcioni said. “I’m confident that the 24 that get selected each week are more than capable... I also believe we have the depth to cope with player absences or injuries.”
With a slippery playing surface the first quarter was relatively close between both sides. The Eagles would kick the only goals for the quarter and hold the Rebels to a solitary point. With the ground conditions being affected by earlier rain fall and the football losing its grip, it came down to whoever could maintain possession would have the advantage.
“This was one of those games where it was a challenge just to pick up and hold the football,” said Eagles forward Les Husar, who experienced the difficulty throughout the match. “When it gets that hard to grip the football it not only affects your game but the flow of the game as well.”
The second and third quarters were all one way traffic for the Eagles, as they quickly took control of the match and adapted to the difficult conditions quicker than their opposition.
The Eagles midfield was doing most of the damage, as they relentlessly placed the Rebels defence under pressure with delivery into their forward 50. Unfortunately for the Eagles, half forward Gregg Pearce was injured with a suspected eye fracture and didn’t play the rest of the game.
With the victory already sealed and some tired legs, the final quarter saw the game open up with both sides finding loose players around the ground. The Eagles would still work relentlessly to finish the game strong and kicked another seven goals. The Rebels, whilst never really in the game, were able to get a few consolation goals to improve the score line.
Once again full forward Oliver Hayward was unstoppable for the Eagles. Hayward was in some fantastic form and added another three goals to his season tally. Eagle veteran Tom Hammond returned to the side after a year sidelined with an injury. Hammond had an excellent game also scoring three goals.
Other notable performances were that of rookie Ryan McNabb, who had an exceptional game displaying his constant improvement and returning Eagle George Dimacakos, who after a year off looks like he never left.
In round six the Toronto Eagles head back to the University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus, to face the Broadview Hawks in what should be a classic contest.
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TORONTO EAGLES 2.7 5.9 9.12 16.15 (111)
TORONTO REBELS 0.1 1.2 3.4 6.4 (40)
GOALS
L. Husar 3, T. Hammond 3, O. Hayward 3, A. Alister 2, A. Falcioni 2, G. Pearce, B. Kantartzis , M. Peterson
BEST
G. Dimacakos, T. Hammond, O. Hayward, A. Alister, R. McNabb, L. Husar
INJURIES
G. Pearce (eye fracture)
Reports: Nil
