Est. 2007

Fairfax Eagles Rugby League Club

Round 5 Match Report - 7.12.2008

 

Fairfax Eagles 28 - 58 Bucks County Sharks

The Fairfax Eagles were downed in a disappointing loss to a rampaging Bucks County Sharks side on the weekend.

 

The game started off tightly, with both sides trading sets of six down the field for the first 10 minutes.  The Sharks eventually broke the deadlock with a close-range try from dummy half after the Eagles failed to complete a set out of their own half.

 

A combination of missed tackles, ragged defensive, and poor ruck control in attack and defense began to take its toll on the Eagles who struggled to contain the impressive attacking lines and off-loading support play of the Sharks.

 

As the weight of possession began to mount against them late in the first half, the Eagles began to wilt in the heat and the flood gates opened.  The Sharks were able to exploit some frailties in the Eagles’ defense and raced out to a 32-0 half time lead.

 

The half time break allowed the Eagles to regroup and correct some glaring errors in attack and defense.  They returned to the field a different team with the club’s trade mark ‘never say die’ attitude and spirit present once again.  The Eagles were sparked by rampaging second rower Kevin Campbell who scored another remarkable close range effort despite the attention of five Sharks defenders.  From the resulting kick-off, Campbell made a break down the right hand flank before linking with debutant Tim Bucher who went on to score untouched under the posts.  Further scores from Min Sae Chae and Mike Zelinki rejuvenated the Eagles who quickly racked-up 22 unanswered points to start the second half.  With the Sharks appearing slightly rattled and the Eagles only trailing by ten points, there appeared to be a chance to get back into the game.

 

Unfortunately a few errors and some panicked football in attacking positions cost the Eagles dearly with the Sharks able to regain their composure and once again produce some impressive ad-lib attacking football.  Naysan Eshraghi scored the Eagles’ fifth and final try on the day courtesy of a long range breakaway.

 

Once again the Eagles were spirited if not smart in their fourth ever rugby league outing.  The side continues to show improvement and another win is surely not far away for the young side.  The three week lay-off since the Eagles’ last game (6.21 vs. Philadelphia Fight) certainly impacted the momentum of the side, as well as the overall fitness of the team.  Despite one or two injuries, the Eagles impressively traveled with 25 players on the day and continue to build a solid platform.

 

Best for the Eagles were man-of-the-match Naysan Estranghi who showed courage and composure beyond his years by continually throwing his body into the Sharks in both attack and defense; Kevin Campbell for his powerful running and tackling all game long; and Geoff ‘pensioner’ Bush who was promoted to the starting side at late notice and put in a stellar 80 minutes at five-eighth.

 

Naysan Eshraghi (3/4) and Mike ’Beaker’ Early (1/1) handled the Eagles kicking duties on the day. 

 

Pictures from the game can be found here…..

 

Round 6 Preview:

 

This coming Saturday (7.19), the Eagles will travel to Aston, PA to take on the Aston DSC Bulls. 

 

The club looks forward to gauging how far it has come since the corresponding Round 2 clash with the 6-time AMNRL champions.  If the Eagles are to take anything from this game, they will need to show more desire in attack and defense and put in a more complete 80 minute effort.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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