Est. 2007

Fairfax Eagles Rugby League Club

Round 2 Match Report - 6.14.2008

 

Fairfax Eagles 22 - 56 Aston DSC Bulls

In a tough and at times fierce contest, the Eagles (0-2) went down 22-56 to the visiting Aston DSC Bulls (2-0).

 

The match was evenly contested in the early stages, with the resilient Eagles able to fight back from an early 6 point deficit to even the score through Naysan Eshraghi’s length-of-the-field intercept try.  An errant pass by the Bulls on the Eagles goal line was pounced on by Eshraghi, who pinned his ears back and wasn’t going to be caught.

 

Sloppy play by the Eagles in the first half proved to be their undoing yet again, with the vastly more experienced Bulls outfit, featuring many past and current international players, pouncing on numerous Eagle errors to run in several more tries.  The Eagles stayed alive in the first half through another sensational 40-metre try by winger Henry Nowell, and through a great solo effort by the Eagles’ captain-on-the-day Mike Zelinski.  The score at the half was 36-16 to the Bulls. 

 

In the second half the Eagles tried valiantly in a much improved defensive effort and can be proud of themselves for never giving up despite the score line mounting against them.  The Eagles were able to compete against the Bulls in patches, only to be let down by poor decision making and/or basic handling errors with the torrential rain in the second half making handling much more difficult.  The conditions undoubtedly contributed to the numerous knock-ons and dropped passes in the second half that effectively killed-off any chance the Eagles had to mount a comeback.  The Bulls, with their superior attacking structure, power running, and wealth of experience, were able to capitalize and punish the Eagles for their lack of attacking discipline.  The Eagles players are slowly learning that rugby league is a possession game and will be looking to improve their discipline in the coming weeks. 

 

The final score of the day went to Tim Hardmon, who on his rugby league debut ran in untouched from 10 meters out with five minutes remaining.  Tim’s try, the Eagles fourth of the day, ensured that the home team secured a bonus point for their efforts. 

 

Naysan Eshraghi (2/3) and James ‘Chemo’ Lewis (1/1) handled the Eagles kicking duties on the day. 

 

The Eagles can hold their heads high and take plenty of encouragement from this performance.  Not only did they secure a bonus point against one of the AMNRL powerhouse clubs in only their second game, but they never quit and played hard right to the final whistle, an indicator of the pride and character present throughout the entire playing squad. 

 

Special mention goes to Andrew ‘Breakout’ Reddy for a solid man-of-the-match performance, Joey ‘Chops’ Tropea again for his solid running and hard-nosed defense, and Mike Zelinsky for keeping things organized and providing the Eagles' offensive spark.

 

From a rugby league viewpoint the game took yet another step forward in Virginia with the Eagles having over 30 players suit-up and play.  The Eagles put in a much improved performance from round one and should continue to improve over the coming weeks. The performance was even more notable with the Eagles missing several starting players from round one, forcing less experienced players to step-in and pick up the slack.

 

Round 3 Preview:

 

This coming Saturday (6.21), the Eagles will travel to Philadelphia to take on the Fight.  This will be the team’s first ever away game, and they will be looking to build on the foundation of solid performances in the last two weeks.

 

With an 0-2 record the Eagles will be keen to notch their first ever club win against a rebuilding Philadelphia Fight outfit. The game will be played at Farrell Stadium in West Chester, PA, with the away Eagles needing to translate their off-field camaraderie into an away game on-field effort.

 

The Eagles will need to improve their ball handling in order to compete against the Fight, and maintain the flashes of defensive intensity that proved to be of some discomfort to a very physical Bulls outfit this past weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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