After a long pre-season and several off-field challenges this was one of the most anticipated season kick-offs in recent memory. The Eagles, keen to make amends for a disappointing season last year, had swung several changes over the winter, offloading coach Gillard for the stouter, more “Howard-like” Adam “Frodo” Kelly. The impact was immediate with the Eagles kicking the first two goals of the game through some exciting play from new Whistler recruits McAdam, Rusty and Matt.
The Saints rallied late in the second and early in the third, but some more familiar heads stood tall. Dan Isberg did his Team Canada hopes no harm and was in everything pushing to contest after contest. Jarred was outstanding in defence waxing with Gino on the dangerous Mad-Dog, and kept him relatively quiet. James and Gino were also terrific in the ruck. While giving away a little height and dominance in the centre, their coverage around the ground clearly troubled the Saints. And when Robyn made four consecutive physical contests in front of the members’ section to release Tickets for his third goal deep int the final term, the margin was safe.
The Saints threatened, as they always do but this was a day they were below their best. They’ll be better next time.
Eagles 9 -3 – 57 def Saints 5 -2 – 32
Goals: Wakefield 3, Rusty McAdam 2, Daniel, Perry, Lund, Isberg
Best: Isberg, G Brancati, Gibb, Perry, Kelly, Jarred, McAdam, Wakefield
Umpires: Grils, Campion. Crowd: 80.
Reports: Nil Injuries: McAdam (Calf)
In the other game:
Cougars 8-11-59 def Bayhawks 2-2-14
Bayhawks best: M. Brancati, Gibb, Connie, Isberg, Lund, C. McDonald, Matt McDowell
Goals: Lund 2
Umpires: Grils, Campion. Crowd: 80.
Reports: Nil Injuries: Gibson (ankle)
Gino Brancati was a dominant force around the ground and in the backline
Lex Perry laid a crunching tackle and goaled from the subsequent free kick deep in the fourth quarter.