Bowles flys high but Eagles fall

East Coast were nowhere near the coordinated outfit they will need to be to progress all the way in September. Whilst they are already guaranteed a finals berth, a huge improvement is required if they want to make an impact like they did in 2009. In round 14 at Henson Park on Sunday, the Eagles came up against Western Suburbs, only to be soundly beaten by 44 points. It is highly possible that these two teams will meet again sometime in the finals, so one can only hope the lessons that were there to be learned have sunk in.

Although the first and last quarters were reasonably tight, the second and third were lamentable. The usually dominant midfield seemed flat and disorganised with the Magpies too quick for them, leaving the Eagles second to the ball on far too many occasions. Up forward, Jamie Vlatko and Peter Dugmore were well held and the usual avenues to goal had suddenly dried up. The all important pin point delivery of the football to a player further afield was missing, handballs were misdirected and accountability had gone out the window.

One who stood tall however was Damien Bowles (pictured) who, following a nasty cut to his chin, re emerged after half time bandaged up like an Egyptian mummy. It seemed to spur him on however as besides taking the selectors’ vote as best player, he took the mark of the day right in front of the grandstand.  Others to do well included Steve Merkel and Jack Dimery.

All clubs have a scheduled bye next week, with East Coast returning to action at Bruce Purser Reserve on Saturday July 31st when they meet North Shore at 2.10pm in yet another crucial game which will be critical in determining the make up of the final five.              

Western Suburbs     3.1     7.5     12.8    15.13 (103)   

East Coast Eagles   3.2     3.4      4.6      8.11 (59)


Goalkickers:  Jamie Vlatko 2, Damien Bowles 2, Ben Physick, Peter Dugmore, Trent Baker, Daniel Spiteri

Best:   Steve Merkel, Damien Bowles, Jack Dimery, Mike Beardsley, Eugene Kruger, Rowan Bilkey

Click here for the Premier Division ladder

An undermanned Div One side fought gallantly, but despite holding Wests to just one goal in the second half, paid the price for a poor first two quarters. Darren Chapman, for the second successive week took the honours as East Coast’s best player.


Western Suburbs     4.1       9.2       9.2       10.7 (67)

East Coast Eagles    1.2     2.4      3.4      4.7 (31)


Goalkickers:  Rodney Frost, Daniel O’Connor, Darren Chapman, Alex Foxall

Best:   Darren Chapman, Damian Gatte, Alex Foxall, Matt Power, David Clinch, Tate Dimech

Click here for the Division One ladder

The only game at Bruce Purser Reserve this weekend was in Third Division with the Cronulla based Southern Power arriving at the ground fully expecting a tough game. And they certainly got one. The Eagles took it right up to the second placed Power and but for a poor third quarter, may well have taken the honours. Brent Trewin and Ben Hynes were up there in the best.      

East Coast Eagles    3.2     5.4       6.5    11.10 (76)
Southern Power        3.1      6.6     11.11  12.11 (83)

Goalkickers:  James Ford 3, Ash Moeller 2, Jared Patira, Nathan Prain, Sam Brotherston, Tim Coakley, Michael White, Brent Trewin

Best:   Brent Trewin, Ben Hynes, Tim Coakley, Matt Bailey, Liam Madden, Jared Madden


Click here for the Division Three ladder

After a tight first half, the Premier Cup Colts drew away from a persistent Magpie outfit to eventually win by 54 points. Tasmanian recruit, Dominic Killworth demonstrated the benefit of a few First Grade games to show his best form of the season.


Western Suburbs     1.3      4.4      5.4       7.5 (47)

East Coast Eagles    3.2       4.6       8.11     15.11 (101)


Goalkickers:  Dominic Killworth 3, Jake Pianta 2, Jonathon Spencer 2, Ethan Barclay 2, Jackson Pecqueux, Campbell Ford, Matt Lyons, Tate Dimech, Nathan Campbell, Alex Foxall

Best:   Dominic Killworth, Dean Costello, Anthony Baddock, Martin Karafilis, Alex Foxall, Louis Butler

Click here for the U/18 Premier Cup ladder

The U/18 Challenge Cup boys ventured to Rosedale for a clash which would go a long way in determining finishing positions on the ladder for these two teams. The Eagles came away with an excellent 48 point win.  

Moorebank Sports               0.1     2.4     3.7       3.9 (27)

East Coast Eagles               5.2       8.6     8.9     10.15 (75)

Goalkickers:  Jesse Clark 3, Matthew Goldsworthy 2, Thomas Streat 2, Adam Hutt, Nathan Lee, Ciaran Fitzsimons

Best:   Nathan Lee, Matthew Goldsworthy, Joshua Bancroft, Jesse Clark, Ciaran Fitzsimons, David Berger

Click here for the U/18 Challenge Cup ladder 



EXTRAVAGANZA

Premier Division
Best:               Damien Bowles owned by Mick Bowles                 $210.00

First free:     Trent Baker owned by Maree Gawley                   $45.00

Division One
Best:            Darren Chapman owned by Laima Physick             $105.00

First free:       Damian Gatte owned by Michael Sankey               $45.00

Division Three

Best:               James Ford owned by Hangan / Ure syndicate      $45.00

NEXT WEEK’S MATCHES

A general bye was originally scheduled into the fixture for all grades, however rain outs and the withdrawal of the Balmain U/18’s from Premier Cup have created two catch up games for the Eagles.  

Saturday July 24th

Bruce Purser Reserve

Midday          Division Three v Sydney Uni

Blacktown Olympic Park

5.00pm          Under 18 Premier Cup v Sydney Uni

JOKER POKER WINNING TICKET FOR THE WEEK

#B115
If you hold this ticket, please see Trevor Hangan at training to arrange your “pick for the Joker”. Jackpot is $450.