The Eagles accounted for an improving Delta Bayhawks team on Saturday to set up a top-of-the-table clash with the Cougars on April 30.
The two new Canadian recruits, Smart (David) and Nebel (Spence), in their first outing for the Eagles inspired the Eagles who fielded six new faces in total. Such was the poise under pressure of the two Canadian first-gamers, one could have been forgiven for thinking they were watching two Antipodeans plying their trade.
The Eagles were up and about early and could have sealed it in the first 10 minutes had they kicked straighter. Piwarski was in everything up forward and looked to be set for a big day but struggled with his range. Another first gamer at the club, Lulu Lemon Simpson, eased his way into his first hit-out for the year and showed plenty of promise. But with just a couple of goals separating the teams at the first break the Bayhawks were still in the contest and showed plenty of fight.
From the second quarter BC Footy’s B&F, Matt McDowell dominated clearances and tackles as he worked tirelessly to list his side through the midfield. But the Eagles’ defence held strong. Experienced heads Jarad and Frodo lead a tight defensive unit, which only allowed 2 goals for the day. Eagles on top at the half but the game still in the balance.
Coache Regen made a bold move in the third throwing the new Whistler recruit, Karl into the ruck. This looked to be a masterstroke until Karl pulled a hamstring handing back centre dominance to the Eagles midfield. And after Piwarski, in his first hit out for the year found his range with three goals in the final term and midfielder Joel Kirk also snuck forward for three, the result probably flattered the Eagles.
The Bayhawks have some good players to return and will be heartened by their improvement. 16 year-old prodigy Jason “Sunshine” Silen joined an elite group of footballers to kick a goal with his first kick in senior football. You’ll hear more of that name in BC Footy over the coming years.
Score
Eagles 11 -12 – 78 def Bayhawks 2 -7 – 19
Goals: Eagles: Piwarski (Sos) Kirk 3; Simpson (Lulu) 2; Nebel (Spence), Mad AlGormley (Dan) 1.
Bayhawks: Jason (Sunshine), Chris 1.
Best: Eagles: Nebel, Kelly, Kirk, Piwarski, Simpson, Gormley, Smart, Gibb.
Bayhawks: McDowell, Daniel (Rigs), McDonald, Connnie, Yoda,
Umpires: Grils, Bell. Crowd: 80.
In the other game, the Cougars overcame a spirited Saints team to set up a cracking round three – Two teams vying for their first win and two fighting to sit alone at the top of the table. Bayhawk Matt Payne chimed in for two goals for the Cougars.
Cougars 9-6-60 def Saints 6-10-46
Umpires: Bell, Simpson, Kelly. Crowd: 80.