The various tipping competitions around Sydney had East Coast as the raging favourite for their round six match against Campbelltown at the fabulous Bruce Purser Reserve.
However, there was always going to be a degree of uncertainty in the home camp, given that the Blues had enjoyed a good win in the equivalent match last year. Whilst the Eagles went on to take the premiership, Campbelltown’s game plan in 2009 was such that it matched that of the local side.
And indeed it happened again in 2010. A superior running game from the visitors, dreadfully inaccurate kicking from the Eagles along with some basic undisciplined actions, gave Campbelltown a 20-point victory. East Coast had plenty of inside 50s, but failed to take the advantage when it was needed. Their key forwards Dugmore and Vlatko, who have been so exact in weeks gone by, kicked 6.12 between them. And therein lies the story.
Best for the Eagles was centreman Shane Ryan who worked hard in the middle, continually driving the ball forward. The midfielders were working against the odds with former SANFL ruckman and Blues coach Radlee Moller controlling the centre bounces, but Ryan and Fitton applied the pressure using their bodies effectively against the odds.
Ben Physick maintained his recent excellent form keeping his match up to just the one goal, while Ben Rogers roamed down from the wing on numerous occasions to slot through two goals in a welcome return to form. Mike Beardsley, Shane Ryan and the heavily targeted Daniel Spiteri shared the players’ player honours.
Next week sees the Eagles take on the League leaders North Shore Bombers in a crucial match. The Bombers suffered their first defeat this weekend at the hands of Western Suburbs which has made it very cluttered at the top of the ladder. Such is the even nature of the Premier Division this year, a win to the Eagles could see them take over top position on the table, while a loss could see them drop out of the five altogether.
East Coast Eagles 4.3 7.9 9.17 13.22 (100)
Campbelltown 5.2 11.6 13.10 18.12 (120)
Goal kickers: Peter Dugmore 4, Ben Rogers 2, Jamie Vlatko 2, Kristian Pearson, Damien Bowles, Shane Ryan, Daniel Spiteri, Steve O’Connor
Best players: Shane Ryan, Ben Physick, Peter Dugmore, Ben Rogers, Damien Bowles, Ryan Fitton
OTHER SCORES
Division One
East Coast Eagles 1.0 4.1 4.4 4.5 (29)
UTS 1.6 3.8 6.12 9.14 (68)
Goal kickers: Josh Shephard, Peter Vlatko, Josh Patira, Dean Eggleton
Best players: Dean Eggleton, Scott Pierce, Luke McLeod, Steve Roberts, Josh Shephard, Stu McKinley
Division Three
East Coast Eagles 3.3 6.4 8.5 10.8 (68)
Campbelltown 2.3 7.5 9.7 12.9 (81)
Goal kickers: Phil Ragno 6, Liam Madden, Lewis Whales, Michael Waldron , Blake Jones
Best players: Phil Ragno, James Ford, Ross Donaldson, Liam Madden, Michael Waldron, Chad Herbert
Under 18 Premier Cup
East Coast won on a forfeit from Campbelltown
Under 18 Challenge Cup
East Coast Eagles 4.3 6.5 9.6 11.6 (72)
Moorebank Sports 1.2 3.4 5.7 7.8 (50)
Goal pickers: Matt Lyons 5, Jesse Clark 2, Stephen Tumminello, Blake Russell, Corey Dimech, Mitchell Dinan
Best players: Corey Dimech, Matt Lyons, Nathan Lee, David Berger, Blake Russell, Jackson Pecqueux
NEXT WEEK’S MATCHES
Saturday, May 22 sees four of our teams in action at Gore Hill Oval on the Pacific Highway in St Leonards.
8.30am - U/18 Challenge Cup v Manly Warringah
10.30am - U/18 Premier Cup v North Shore
12.30pm - Division One v North Shore
2.30pm - Premier Division v North Shore
Sunday, May 23 sees the remaining match at St Pauls Oval within Sydney Uni.
Midday - Division Three v Sydney Uni
EXTRAVAGANZA
First Grade
Best: Shane Ryan owned by Greg Bell - $210.00
First free: Peter Dugmore owned by Steve Gawley - $45.00
Division One
Best: Scott Pierce owned by Laima Physick - $105.00
First free: Steve Roberts owned by BGP syndicate - $45.00
Division Three
Best: Jointly Jared Madden owned by Maree Gawley - $22.50 and Ross Donaldson owned by P Physick & S Gawley - $22.50
