Rugby league: East Coast Eagles too strong for University

Rejuvenated numbers gave the East Coast Eagles an edge as they beat Otago University 42-30 at Kensington Oval on Saturday.

With last week firmly in the rear vision mirror, the Eagles outscored a struggling University side eight tries to six.

Liam Parker had a great game for the students, scoring three tries, but with new players in unfamiliar positions, they were unable to get the win.

Eagles player coach Dave Broughton was excited to see players returning from injury and getting to training, giving him the tools he needs to get his side competitive.

''It was an arm wrestle but we found good gains through the middle and finished off when we could,'' Broughton said.

''Watch this space.''

University's Ben Loughrey Webb was disappointed with the result and thought his team was lacking a bit of depth on the bench, compared with the Eagles.

''We didn't get the same impact from our bench and we have new players in different positions,'' Loughrey Webb said.

''Our defence will be worked on at training and also our communication.''

The Invercargill Cowboys returned from a bye week and were outclassed by a rampant Kia Toa side.

The 42-14 scoreline was indicative of Kia Toa's rise in the Otago Rugby League competition, making the rest of the teams sit up and take notice.

Dan Fowler scored twice on his debut as the Tigers handed the Cowboys their first loss of the season.

South Pacific had the bye.

By Andrew King.

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