Table-topping EC Eagles ran in six tries in accounting for Sydney University 32-20 in their Round 7 Sydney Shield rugby league clash at Waminda Oval on Sunday.
Sydney University were in contention for much of the match, trailing 16-10 at the break and 16-14 soon after the restart.
But the hosts posted crucial tries in the 51st and 55th minutes and held on for the win and an undefeated record.
Va’enuku Vatuvei, lapati Potifara, Theo Leato and Jye Ellul scored first-half tries for the winners, with Guy Thompson and Mason Talolua bagging the crucial second half touchdowns. Edwin Connor assisted with four conversions.
Joe Kavoa and Deighton Ierko kept the Students in contention in the first half, with Kavoa and Jaz Flavell bagging second half tries. Daniel Arahu and Brock Pelligra each landed a conversion to help keep the debut Sydney Shield contenders in the hunt.
EC Eagles head the Sydney Shield ladder on 13 points after seven rounds, with Cabramatta (14), Owls (10), Saints (9) WW Magpies (8) and Hawks (8) making up the top six.
Sydney University are 10th in the 12-team competition. Sydney University will meet eighth-placed Hills District Bulls at Crestwood Oval on Sunday, with a 1pm kick-off.
Scoreboard
Sydney Shield competition – Round 7
EC Eagles 32 (Va’enuku Vatuvei, lapati Potifara, Theo Leato 29, Jye Ellul, Guy Thompson and Mason Talolua tries; Edwin Connor 4 goals) defeated Sydney University 20 (Joe Kavoa 2, Deighton Ierko and Jaz Flavell tries; Daniel Arahu goal, Brock Pelligra goal) at Waminda Oval on Sunday.
