For the second week in a row the Toronto Eagles have suffered defeat, this time to the traveling Ottawa Swans.

The Eagles where more than competitive in the early skirmishes but their lack of experience and numbers became an issue as they fell to the Swans 22.13 (145) to 6.3 (39).

Once again due to some late withdrawals and lack of experience, the Eagles would head into the game undermanned against a more than ready opposition. With only five Australians and one interchange player the Eagles were forced to play first and second year players in key positions.

This was an issue vice captain Ralph Koens hopes isn’t a continuing trend for the season.

“Every match is tough.. But to come into one without full selection really puts you behind in terms of preparation,” stated Koens.

“It just makes it that much harder for everyone, when it really doesn’t have to be.”

From the first bounce both teams worked hard on gaining control of the match. The Eagles midfield and forward line worked well together, keeping them in the game and only down by two points heading into the first break.

The second quarter started where the first left off, with both teams battle for control and things were tight for the first ten minutes. From then on though, things got harder for the Eagles as they would eventually run out of options and legs around the ground.

While they work tirelessly all day, with no bench and a lack of rotations, the Eagles midfield just didn’t have the stamina to go with their opposition.

“Things got really tough after half time,” commented midfielder Kevin Minaker. “When you have no bench and no chance for rest, there’s only so much you can physically do.”

The Swans were relentless in the middle and their forward 50 for the rest of the match, outscoring the Eagles by 19 goals to three. The Eagles had no answers for the surging Swans, who forced the Eagles defence into making multiple uncharacteristic mistakes.

The pressure was too much for the Eagles defence, who also lost leadership when team Captain Tasos Dimacakos was unavailable for the final quarter.

Best for the Eagles included Frank Luisser, Kevin Minaker and Ralph Koens who all lead around the ground throughout the match.

The Eagles return to Colonel Sam Smith Park on Friday night when they clash with long-time rival, the Etobicoke Kangaroos. This is sure to be another classic confrontation between both sides, who always provided an entertaining match whenever they meet.

TORONTO EAGLES        3.1    5.1    6.1       6.3 (39)
OTTAWA SWANS          3.3    9.6    14.8     22.13 (145)

GOALS
Falcioni 2, Koens, O’Neill, Llewellyn, Minaker

BEST
Luisser, Minaker, Koens, Dimacakos

INJURIES
Capoferri (hand)

Reports: Nil