EELS EAST RL Shield Winners 2016!!!

With the previous weeks loss in the Eels mind and back to a full strength side apart from missing fullback Jacob King, The Eels were fired up and ready to go. The game started well for both sides defending solid sets, until North Herts snuck over for a coach Killer at the play of the ball. Eels were confident and were showing dominance in physicality in attack and defence. After some great pressure it was Preye Kongha who scored eels first try in the shield final since 2014 loss against Kings Lynn Black Knights. North Herts decicding to kick straight at Preye again from Kick resulted in him finishing a length of the field try for the eels to take the lead with a conversion from captain chambers 10-6. Eels were finally finding their grove and some great carries from Damore Balogun and Mike Hogan led to Charlie Chambers out pacing the defence close to the try line. A lack in concentration and a another sporadic penalty from the referee for another alleged high tackle before half time led to North Herts stealing a Converrted try the scores at half time were 14-10 to Brentwood Eels.

The first 10 minutes of the second half was mostly defending their line with the referee ensuring Eels were penned back on their line with penalties. However solid defence forced a knock on and Preye Kongha was again seen striding down the field to extend the eels lead and his tally to Hat-trick. The eels then regaining possession from the kick off started to build some solid structure and forced a repeat set for Preye Kongha to score his fourth try with a little juggle over the line to bring the scores to 26-10 with 20 minutes to go. The Eels looked in control but the penalties started again and with the referee looking to even up a north Herts sin bin. Cameron Furlong made his decision easier but catching a player high. To which North Herts kicked down field and scored an unconverted try 26-14. North Herts were pushing the game and another soft penalty and another player in the bin the eels were down to eleven and it was easy for North Herts to pick out a hole and score 26-20. The resulting kick off from chambers was awful as it went straight dead and allowed North Herts another penalty to kick deep and the result was another Crusaders try the scores now tied at 26-26 a piece.

A solid couple of Hits from Damore Balogun raised the Eels game and they got back in position only to set up a superb play for Hogan to race over for a magnificent try that would secure the game and the clubs first ever Shield victory. Full time score was 32-26. Coach Sherwood had this to say "So Proud of the lads Firstly our oldest player was our Captain Charlie Chambers,24 . Today we made it hard and the referee was awful for both sides and really killed the flow, which to be honest would of suited both sides and the crowd it being a final. We need to enjoy this we only hoped to try and snatch a playoff place this year and win our home games this is above expectations and the we deserve it, we have come such along way and that is our fourth trophy in the three years we have been running!"