THE MACKSVILLE Sea Eagles kicked off their Group 2 rugby league 2017 campaign with two points on Sunday at Allan Gillett Oval when they defeated the Bellinger Valley Magpies, 42-20.
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A new season brings new combinations and Eagles' coach Garry Jarrett was keen to see how his charges fared in match conditions. On the day they went well, overcoming a determined Magpies with some excellent attacking skills.
Bellingen were the first to score, but the Eagles struck back soon after when James Collison dived over from dummy half to lock the scores-up at four-all.
The Magpies went ahead soon after but again the Eagles were quick to level the scores – Tyler Searle swooping on a grubber kick by Collison and beating two tacklers to score next to the posts. Kade Spear converted the try to lock the scores up at 10-all.
The Eagles took control of the half from there, their forwards making big inroads into the defence before Sam Miles and Jesse McEwen both crossed for tries and Spear converting a try for the Eagles to lead 20-10 at the break.
The Magpies scored first in the second half to reduce the Eagles' lead to 20-16 before Macksville took full control of the ball and the match, running in five tries in the half through Keith Donovan, Isaac Mainey, playing his first game of league, a second try to Collison and two more to Sam Miles while Joe Borg converted one try to see Macksville lead 42-16.
With the bell about to ring Troy Robinson put in a strategic long kick that saw Luke Beaumont of the Magpies cross to see the final scoreline read Macksville 42, Bellingen 20.
The reserve grade clash saw the Eagles also run out big winners, defeating the Magpies 38-14.
Considering the club was looking at withdrawing this grade a little over a week ago the numbers on the day were a great sign.
Jack Ingham crossed for two tries while Ken Walker, Cameron Southan, Cameron Cohen and Tahn Smith scored a try each and Cohen kicked five goals.
The inaugural women’s League Tag match for the Macksville club saw the Eagles team lose 14-6 in a highly entertaining match. While the League Tag format was a new experience the determination and commitment all the women displayed indicated there is a lot of improvement to come. Antoinette Edwards scored the Eagles try and Chiara Blair converted.
Bellingen forfeited the Under 18s clash.
The Eagles have the bye this weekend while on the Sunday following they will travel to Coffs Harbour to play in all four grades.