For much of this game the Eagles contained the third placed South Grafton attack, but dropped balls cost Macksville dearly in attack
A DEPLETED Macksville Sea Eagles ended their 2017 Group 2 rugby league season on Sunday at Allan Gillett Oval gallantly but beaten by the South Grafton Rebels 28-0.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With a long injury list, the Eagles were forced to dig deep into their resources with five Under 18s backing up to bolster the first grade squad. But the Eagles did not merely surrender to the third placed Rebels, playing a determined and courageous hand throughout the game.
For much of this game the Eagles contained the third placed South Grafton attack, but dropped balls cost Macksville dearly in attack and by halftime the Rebels had built up a 16-0 lead.
The Eagles continued to show determination through much of the second half as the Rebels mounted a number of attacking raids but eventually the Macksville team cracked and two late tries to South Grafton saw them take out the game.
With injuries impacting the first grade, the Eagles reserves faced a daunting challenge, and the early stages of the game saw the Rebels run in four quick tries to run up a 20-0 lead.
The Eagles regathered themselves after this early onslaught but numbers told in the end and the Rebels ran out winners 50-10.
Dave Lindsay and Jeremy Dahlstrom scored a try each for the Eagles while Cameron Cohen kicked a goal.
The Under 18s clash was a dress rehearsal for this Saturday's minor preliminary semi-final at Sawtell which saw the Rebels run out winners 30-10.
While this game was a disappointing result for the Eagles they showed that they have the potential to defeat the Rebels at times with a more determined showing this Saturday.
Luke Ormandy and Jayden Clements scored tries for the Eagles while Lleyton Doolan kicked a goal.
After showing a big improvement over the past weeks, the Eagles women’s League Tag struggled in their final game of the season against competition high flyers South Grafton to lose 50-0.
While the result was disappointing it did not reflect the spirit and determination of the team over this season.
This Saturday sees the Eagles Under 18s travel to Sawtell to take on the South Grafton Rebels in the Group 2 minor preliminary semi-final.