DESPITE a second round, 30-12 loss against South Grafton Rebels at Allan Gillett Oval, the Macksville Sea Eagles have left their supporters with positive hopes for the remainder of the year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Rebels have been the talk of the Group with their buying spree over the off-season so the Eagles were aware they were in for a struggle, but an early onslaught left the home side gasping.
The Rebels scored in their opening attacking set of the match and followed this up soon after to take a 10-0 lead, which saw Eagles’ supporters begin to worry.
The game settled down soon after and the Eagles gradually got into a rhythm, but mistakes cost them dearly and by halftime the Rebels lead 22-0.
South Grafton snuffed out any hopes of an Eagles’ resurgence with a try off the first set of six in the second half and when they scored another soon after, Macksville supporters started to dread the possible outcome.
Yet the Eagles started to find some belief in their abilities and strong runs by forwards Ben Cockbain, Ryan Taylor, Tyler Searle and Kade Spear lifted their fellow players and allowed Jeremy Taylor and Michael Flanders the space to get the backs into gear.
Good pressure resulted in the first Eagles’ try with Jeremy Taylor following through a deft kick from Flanders to ground the ball. Taylor then converted his own try.
Flanders again wove his magic when he easily stepped through three defenders from a standing start to score the side’s second try.
Ricky Morris converted and South Grafton lead 30-12, which was the final score line.
* The Macksville reserve grade side also suffered their second defeat of the season, going down to 24-16.
This was a mixed effort by the Eagles who showed at times they have the potential to do well in this competition but followed these moments up with some poor football.
Joel Brunsdon, Mike Flanders and Tyler Searle scored tries for the Eagles while Caleb Handley kicked three goals.
* The under 18s gave the Eagles their first win of the season when they narrowly defeated their highly rated opponents 30-26.
This was an outstanding game with the lead changing regularly and both teams showing great attack and strong defence.
For the Eagles Cameron Southan, Kobi Ned, Jake Simpson, Joseph McEwen and Jastin Walker scored a try each and Caleb Hanley kicked five goals.
The Eagles will travel to Coramba tomorrow night to take on the Orara Valley Axemen in two grades.
Reserve Grade kick off at 6.30pm.
