EAGLES SOAR FROM UNDERDOGS TO DOMINANT VICTORS

Nehema Ntumba

@nehema_ntumba

Electric and powerful are words that can be used to describe the Shimlas and Eagles showdown on Tuesday, 10 March. What started off as a game wracked with anxiety and uncertainty turned into a game of elation and pride. The showdown that occurred on Tuesday left players, fans and commentators stunned.

The rivalry between the Shimlas and the Eagles has been ongoing for years. Last year the Shimlas bested the Eagles, beating them 35-26, with a Hail Mary try scored by Henri Van Heerden, but the Shimlas were unable to repeat their victory on Tuesday. The Eagles not only reminded fans and spectators that they were capable of winning but also capable of demolishing the opposing team. The game started off strong with Stehan Heymans making the penalty, however, the Shimlas applied pressure and put on their best defensive plays. Despite their valiant effort, it was not enough to outperform the Eagles again. The Eagles maintained control of the game, with Nico Liversage scoring a try and Matthew Fortuin adding a conversion. By halftime, the Eagles were leading 20-0.

Even with this massive lead, the Eagles still weren’t satisfied as they added two more points to the scoreboard, making it 22-0. A few minutes later, Tian Van Zyl enjoyed a one-man race down the field to score a try that had fans on their feet screaming their lungs out and commentators in absolute shock. This furthered the Eagles lead by 7 points, bringing the score to 29-0, but, Nkoka Ngobe powered through and scored a try, making the score 29-7.

However, their boost in morale did not dishearten the Eagles as they continued their dominance, with a score of 52-14 in the 73rd minute of the game. To seal their goodbye gift to the Shimlas, Indile Tyeda scored another try, and Heymans added a conversion, which led to a final score of 59-14.

This game was not only payback to the Shimlas for embarrassing them during the last minute of their game last year, but also to shut down the haters and to remind everyone that the Eagles are, in fact, a dominant force in the league. This win reaffirms Sean Roulston’s words in his interview last week when he stated, “We’re bringing that trophy home this year.” Given the Eagles performance, it doesn’t seem like such a far-fetched dream anymore.

Edited by Isabel Burgers