The North Haven Bowling Club sponsored Camden Haven Eagles Under 18’s travelled to Wingham on Saturday to play the Old Bar Pirates in the Group 3 Rugby League Competition.
The playing surface was very heavy and the slippery conditions made ball handling hard. Both sides realised that defence would win the game and the team making the least number of mistakes would take the 2 vital competition points.
From the outset, the Eagles punished the Pirates in defence causing many turnovers, but the Eagles were also guilty of the same. Going into half time, the Eagles seemed to have a handy 16 - 0 lead, but a steady flow of penalties allowed the Pirates to post a converted try right on the half time hooter.
Assistant coach, Steve “Beetle” Bailey, impressed on the boys that patience and sticking to basic wet weather football would see them through. He wanted tighter marker defence with particular effort around the fringes of the ruck.
The players responded to his advice and scored straight after the resumption of play. Both sides tried to push the ball, resulting in many dropped balls and missed opportunities before the Eagles finally hit their straps and started playing the football of which they are capable. The forwards ran hard and straight making valuable metres which the backs capitalised on.
The final score was 48 - 6 in favour of the Eagles.
Try scorers were Tyren Trindall (2), Harry Stokes (2), Jed Seymour, Blake West-Comer, Jahbe Latham, Ben Lobston, Brad Horne and Taylor Eggins. Tyren Trindall kicked 3 goals while Tom Wieman and Alex Pearce kicked one each.
The Eagles have a bye this week and then return to action against Old Bar, at Old Bar, on July 28.