On Saturday June 27, the No. 1 Baltimore Washington Eagles (3-0) travelled up I-95 to take on the No. 3 New York Magpies (3-0). The outcome of the game would have major implications for the EAFL Premiership and races for various national titles.

While the temperatures hovered in the low 80s, just before the reserves game, there was a downpour that slowed the track down significantly. Eager to revenge their two close losses to the Eagles in 2008, New York got out to a quick start, constantly moving the ball into their forward line to the likes of Joel Daniher, Iza Dawkins and Shane Batty. However, the Magpies were not able to take advantage of the inside 50s ending the quarter 1.8 to the Eagles 1.0.

Photo: Magpies Joel Daniher kicks under pressure by Kerryn Oliver

The second and third quarter were tight and tough as we have come to expect of the Eagles vs Magpies matches. The Eagles mid-field of Aaron Tyndall and Shane Frearson were working hard under immense pressure from the New York midfield and defense including Jude Lonergan and Ben Squires. At three quarter break, the Magpies held a relatively comfortable three goal lead.

However, in a last quarter very reminiscent of the game in Baltimore last year, the visitors had other ideas. Early in the quarter both teams traded goals, but then things started to click for the Eagles. Particularly, up forward, where big Rob Strange was able to get on top of his opponent. The Eagles were able to get within a kick with minutes remaining in the game. With less than half a minute to go, the ball came to Tyndall who moved it forward by hand and eventually to the forward flank. A big kick to goal was punched through by the Magpie defense allowing them to hold on to a two point lead and win the game.

According to New York Head Coach, "I remember looking at the players from both sides and they were exhausted and so was I. There is a mutual respect between the clubs that was evident both immediately after the game and at the traditional after match at the pub! BWE is well trained and never give up the sign of good coaching and leadership within the Eagles. The Magpies should be happy with the performance, with the exception of goal kicking, they started well and and for three quarters had the better of their opponents and in the end their desperation and attack on the football saw them through. Joel Daniher was again outstanding and clearly in my view best on ground, followed by Dawkins, Mantzaris, Lewis and the entire defense."

Match Photos

Eagles Head Coach, Aaron Tyndall, was disappointed but hopeful that the loss will motivate his chargers down the stretch. "Very disappointing to lose another close one to New York. I now know how they felt this time last year. Full credit to them they were hungrier and more committed then us. Take away from the game we have a lot of work still to do. Hopefully this will make our guys more desperate for trainings and games. Magpies were as I thought prior to the match hard at the ball, skillful when allowed to run without any real pressure and very good in traffic. Their intensity was something else. Full credit to Rob and the boys. JD, Iza, Batty and Hawk killed us. Brandon Bludau was phenomenal for a guy who only started playing this 18 months ago to take so many telling marks was a pleasing aspect. Congratulation's to both clubs to be able to field a seconds match, hats off too both committees, our boys respond with a hard fought win, too bad their endeavors and application didn't rub off on the senior squad."

New York 6.10 (46)

Balt/Wash 6.8 (44)

GOALKICKERS

New York: Joel Daniher 2, Iza Dawkins 2, Shane Batty 1, James Hawkins 1.

Balt/Wash: Rob Strange 3, Rich Strayer 1, Shane Frearson 1, Steve Zanguahli 1.

BEST PLAYERS

New York: Joel Daniher, Iza Dawkins, Jude Lonergan, Ben Squires, Adam Mantzaris.

Balt/Wash: Brandon Bludau, Aaron Tyndall, Damian Hill, Rob Strange, Rich Strayer.

Field Umpires: Tony McNiff, Michael Payne.

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