THE Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles unbeaten start to the 2020 Group Seven season continued on Sunday, as they held on to defeat the Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Magpies 26-18 at Centenary Field.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The two-point win was set up by tries to Jack Scurr, Dallas Harrison, Jordan Harty, Jay Weaver and Jayden Harris - with the latter and Kane Ball kicking three and one goal respectively.
In the loss, the Magpies' second of the season, their four-pointers were scored by skipper Joe Rogers, Fletcher Winning and Bill Ryder - with Billy Hayburn nailing three kicks.
"Berry got the jump on us in the early part of the game, getting out to a 12-nil lead," Eagles co-coach Ian Jones said.
Read more: Lions outlast Sharks in second half try-fest
"They were rolling through our middle part of the field too easy while trying to slow the game down by kicking the ball out when possible.
"That contrasted our style and I reiterated to the boys at the first drinks break to get in the grind, as things will start to go our way soon enough - which they did.
"Despite numerous banged up bodies, we were able to wear down Berry in a really tough game of footy."
Jones was particularly impressed with the performances of workhorses Josh Sainsbury and Jack Scurr, as well as members of the spine Ball, Sam Clune and Harris - who had to shift to hooker late in the match following a concussion to Brent Wake.
"We spoke about improving on the first win by completing more of our sets and building pressure, which I thought we did on Sunday," he said.
"We were patient with the ball and were willing to put our bodies on the line - it was a really courageous win."
Although they are 2-0 already this season, the Park know this Sunday's showdown with rival Warilla-Lake South could have huge finals ramifications.
"We have a massive rivalry with the Gorillas on the field and we are really looking forward to the challenge," Jones said.
"The key for us will be starting stronger, as we'd bee slow out of the gates the opening two weeks.
"It's important we find our rhythm earlier, both offensively and defensively.
"If we do that, I have full faith our boys can get the job down and move to 3-0 on Sunday."