The Macksville Sea Eagles gained a measure of revenge for last year’s Grand Final loss when they defeated the current Premiers the Sawtell Panthers by 34-24, at Allan Gillett Oval.
With the Eagles coming off a disappointing loss to the Mustangs, and the Panthers having inflicted the first loss of the season on Port Macquarie, the script really called for an easy Sawtell victory.
But the Macksville players had not read the script and soon showed they are a different team at home this season.
The Panthers were the first to cross for a try, which was converted for a 6-0 lead, but their lead was short lived.
The Eagles went straight on the attack after this when, from a play the ball, our Neville Donovan drifted left, dummied to a charging player, and then went straight though the defence to score. David Pickvance converted and the scores were locked at six all.
The Eagles went ahead soon after when thirty metres from their line a Panthers’ player popped the ball back, only to find the Eagles’ Adam Dixon taking the ball and racing in to score. Pickvance converted and the Eagles lead 12-6.
The Panthers struck back when Nathan Davies crossed for a try and converted it himself, but a Sawtell error, again, saw the Eagles on the attack soon after.
An attacking raid saw the Eagles ten metres from the line on the last tackle when Edgar Cowell chipped ahead to see Luke Cartwright follow through on the kick and score the Eagles’ second try.
Pickvance converted and the Eagles lead 18-12, which was the half-time score. With the try coming moments before the half-time bell the Eagles went further ahead early in the second-half.
Cowell again went on the attack, putting Jesse McEwen on a thirty metre run, which saw him beat three defenders before sending the ball to Dixon who went in for his second try, and give the Eagles a 22-12 lead.
Again the Panthers showed their spirit by reducing the Eagles lead to 22-16, with a try in the corner. But the Eagles, and Cowell, were quick to strike back.
From forty-metres out Cowell put up a high bomb, which the Sawtell fullback was unable to take. Instead the ball bounced well for a charging Cowell, who regathered it and scored next to the posts. Pickvance converted and the Eagles lead 28-16.
The Panthers rallied, however, and two tries, both unconverted, saw them reduce the Eagles lead to 28-24. They were unable to put the Eagles away, and instead in the last minutes of the game the Eagles scored the final try.
The Eagles started the attack when Donovan sent a long pass to Dixon, who raced across thirty metres down the sideline and as the cover defence raced across, kicked inside to find Cartwright, following through to score. Pickvance converted and the Eagles ran out winners by 34-24.
The Eagles Reserve grade continued their strong form of the previous week when they defeated the Sawtell Reserve by 24-16.
With both teams on the same points, this was a vital win for the Eagles, particularly given that the Eagles found themselves down 16-0 early in the match.
From there the Eagles took control of the game, and tries to Andrew Blair, Nigel Hookey, Sam Monk and Owen Blair, with Andrew kicking four goals.
The Eagles take out second place on the ladder with a great win.
The Eagles Under-18s again took the field with only eleven players, yet still managed to score sixteen points before the Panthers took advantage of their superior numbers to run out winners 44-20.
Despite the scoreline, this was a great effort by the Eagles, who continue to make the Club proud with their efforts.
Tyler Doolan scored two tries and two goals for the Eagles, while Michael Lewis and Steven Lewis scored a try each.
This Sunday sees the Eagles again at Allan Gillett when they take on competition front-runners Port Macquarie.
This is a vital game for all three grades, but especially the First grade who are still a chance of finishing in the top three with a win.
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