The Eels returned to winning ways with a devastating 13-try blast to shoot down the Eagles.

Coach Stuart Hogg was full of praise for his side's "awesome" performance as they completed the double over the Cambridge outfit.

Essex Eels head coach Stuart Hogg (centre, right) launches the club's founder member scheme with Wesley Plomb. Plomb's company, Bravo Flooring, is the first to sign up to the Eels' latest fundraising drive which invites businesses and individuals to pledge their support to the newly-formed team. Picture: ROB BROWNE

"It was almost clinical the way we played," he said. "We managed to waste three opportunities but what was most outstanding was the pride in our line.

"We could easily have allowed the Eagles to score on a few occasions, but to still have the determination in defence when we were so far ahead late on was wonderful."

An impressive team performance was led once again by the impressive Aussie Blair Tonkin, who landed a hat-trick of tries.

John Martin got three of his own and John Hickey added another two, while centre Gareth Lodge and debutant Dylan Wattam also got over the line.

Jimmy Meadows, Graham Richmond and Wes Plumb completed the scoring for the Eels, with Mike Muir slotting over 11 conversions.

Essex have no league game next week, but will entertain North London Skolars on Sunday in a friendly clash.

Published Tuesday, June 17, 2003

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