THE MACKSVILLE Sea Eagles showed a more determined level of commitment than their recent Group 2 rugby league matches but were still unable to overcome a determined Coffs Harbour Comets on Saturday at Allan Gillett Oval, going down 34-10.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
From the opening whistle it was clear the Eagles were ready to play, charging into the Comets' defence with vigour and tackling in numbers.
The Comets were the first to score and take a 6-0 lead but the Eagles continued to get themselves into good attacking positions but were unable to capitalise.
A second try to the Comets saw them take a 12-0 lead into half time but soon after the break the Eagles were on the attack again, this time capitalising on the opportunity when Grant Collison crashed through three defenders from dummy-half to score.
As the game progressed both teams found themselves short of players with four sin binnings, two Comets players sent off and the Eagles losing two players to injuries early.
The Comets ran in a further 22 points before Lleyton Doolan crossed for a well earned try late in the game which was converted by Neville Donovan.
The reserve grade clash saw the Eagles run in an early try through new signing Brett Davis which Cameron Cohen converted to take a 6-0 lead. The Comets replied fairly quickly and from there established the superiority that has seen them become one of the favourites for this competition, running out 56-6 winners.
The Eagles' Under 18s continued to impress with their performance on the field, running out winners 34-10.
Blake Brunsdon scored two tries while Luke Ormandy, Lleyton Doolan, Zane Doolan and Ritchie Lupina scored a try each and Mitch Morrison kicked three goals and Lleyton Doolan kicked one.
Despite going down 44-8, the women’s League Tag squad showed they are continuing to improve given their previous big loss to the Comets squad. Jamaiya Rosser and Kacey Spear scored the tries for the Eagles.
This Sunday sees the Eagles travel to Woolgoolga to take on the Sea Horses in three grades, Woolgoolga not having an Under 18s. The League Tag game will kick off at noon.