Match Reports

It was early January and the new look Eagles had already started training. Coach Bell was itching at the idea of getting all the boys out on the track for the first run. Since then there have been numerous training sessions, time trials, a practice match and a wild night in Whistler.
This grueling preparation prescribed by coach Bell was to prepare us for round 1 and the season ahead.

Round 1 Saturday March 27th. Eagles vs Cougars. UBC, 5 degrees, strong winds, muddy glue pot.

The day we had been waiting for had finally arrived and with all the Eagles at the ground early we were set for a real crack at last years premiers. The starting line up for this round 1 clash was a vastly different looking squad than last year and all were keen to see what it was capable of.

1st Quarter.
The eagles kicking with the wind controlled the majority of play. Tilley had the ball on a string as he won kick after kick to propel the ball forwards. Matt McDowell was in good form early and delivered the cougars veterans some strong hits that through them off their game in the opening minutes. It was with great skill that Peter C and Rich J marked and kicked truly to give the eagles an early lead. The cougars fought strongly but had no match for the run of the eagles in this quarter. Thoughts go out to Mick Emmett who demonstrated he goes really hard for the ball by getting his 2nd set of stitches in as many weeks.
1/4 time EAGLES 2.3.15 Cougars 1.0.6

2nd Quarter.
With bench rotations running wild the Eagles had fresh legs for the start of the quarter. Dialed in defensively for the cougars wind advantage tickets was controlling the backline and barking orders while trying to remain on his feet. Brenton was strong across halfback repelling many attacks and Che was his usual agile, attacking self. Run on the wing was provided by newcomer Canadian Matt Piljek and most improved Justin Connie. JC was everywhere on the field, shrugging tackles, kicking long and picking up the ball like he had glue on his hands. The cougars tried to even the score but again had no answer for the run, loud voice and skillful play of the eagles. Gary Barone knew how to position his body and showed no fear in many high altitude contests.
Half-time EAGLES 4.5.29 Cougars 3.1.19

3rd Quarter.
Introducing Dane Bergman. Fast, furious and looks like he wants to climb on anyone in front of him. Coach Bell had to send him the message that today was not the day for attempting the high mark. That was enough for Bergman, he used his lightning speed and size to compete at every contest and give the eagles the run they needed from halfback to again penetrate the forward 50 and kick goals. Chris Freeman was a great asset to the centre play as he was tough in the clinches. Newcomer Bangers was patrolling the midfield and bursting into speed like a firecracker had gone off in his pants. Bangers at times looked a little sore and the head trainer suggested he was still recovering form his ‘fall’ down the stairs in Whistler. Adam Cole, having lost a few lazy pounds from Christmas was in good form today. He was at all contests and provided quality decision making skills under pressure. Kicking truly from 45m on the run he sparked the eagles resurgence just when things were getting tough.
3/4 time EAGLES 5.12.42 Cougars 5.1.31

4th Quarter.
With the cougars taking the wind all the way to the final siren the eagles had a task. Coach Bell again stressed communication and voice and the boys turned up the volume. Veteran Peter Taylor who was a late inclusion getting the call up from Langley at 11am was dominant in the last quarter. One stellar run included 3 handballs, 2 kicks and a long slow run back to his defensive quarters to catch his breath. The Eagles finally running out victors over last years premiers. The dominant play of the eagles was a true treat for the eagles faithful that braved the cold conditions. The weather was not conducive to the eagles style of skillful play and surely a dryer day would have produced much larger results. Coach Bell was excited after the win as he addressed the players and stressed the importance of attending this weeks training session to prepare for the next game.
Final Score EAGLES 6.14.50 Cougars 5.1.31
Goal kickers
Pete Cristoforo 3, Rich Joyes 1, Stephen Wolfe 1, Adam Cole 1

NEXT GAME: Eagles vs Saints, April 4th, Langley