Since Bruce Purser was opened in 2009, Campbelltown were the first team to beat the Sydney Hills Eagles there. The Blues did it again in 2010. Likewise, last year, in appalling weather on the public holiday, the Blues emerged with the points.
So historically the trip up the M7 has been a happy hunting ground for Campbelltown and there was plenty of cause for optimism ahead of Sunday afternoon’s clash. Although beaten in our first two games this year, we had put up genuinely competitive performances and were realistic chances of taking the points.
Like most clubs, a little luck with injuries and depth is the key to success. On this occasion, the Eagles depth was significantly tested with injuries early in the game and the Blues managed to take advantage of this and get on top.
On a day when the ground was bathed in sunshine and the temperature was in the high 20s, the conditions were ideal for fast, skillful football but would test the stamina of all players. What was pleasing from Campbelltown’s perspective was that we were able to build on our lead each quarter by playing strong, accountable, and contested footy. Apart from a few periods of lapsed concentration, we held strong defensively for most of the match and stuck to our defensive structures.
From the opening, Matt Edwin’s looked keen to make an impact; and picked up plenty of possessions in the first quarter to kick-start the Campbelltown charge. Led by Taran Etto, there were plenty of willing Blues to contest every possession and they regularly pressured the Eagles into mistakes
Up forward, Cameron Desmond was presenting himself as a handy target to spearhead the Campbelltown charge and Matty Withers regularly drew two to three defenders which opened up opportunities for our small brigade like the Two Bryce’s. For the Campbelltown faithful, it was an afternoon to remember as the scoreboard continued to tick over.
With cramps and fatigue setting in, the last quarter was a shootout, as the Eagles kicked six goals in an attempt to restore some respectability to the scoreboard. While the Blues still won the quarter, this will need to be something they will need to address in the future if they are to continue improving and mixing it with the heavy weights of the competition.
When the final siren sounded, Campbelltown had won by 75 points; the biggest win by the Blues in some time. Cameron Desmond and Matt Edwin’s finished with five goals apiece; while Mitchell Hogan, Taran Etto, Bryce Joynson, Penni Mahina and Matt Edwin’s were among the many Blues winners around the ground.
Last Modified on 01/05/2013 10:19
