Eagles claim Christmas number one spot

By

Ruislip Eagles coach Marc Fayemi is targeting a tilt at the Super 8 title after his side guaranteed top spot going into the Christmas break.

The Eagles’ 35-16 win over Manchester HC on Saturday guaranteed they would be the team to catch when the action resumes in the New Year.

Fayemi told West London Sport: “The aim is to be at the top in May. We still have to work hard to avoid our opponents upsetting our ultimate goal.

“This season, many teams when they are at their full potential can be hard to play against but we feel more confident game after game about what we can achieve.

“I feel the team is stronger and better balanced, with the new players now bringing their full lot. It looks very promising.”

On Saturday, Josh Da Silva – who next month will be in the Great Britain Under-21 side for the Junior World Championship qualifiers – produced a season high of seven goals, matched by Team GB Olympian Mark Hawkins, who caused the Manchester defence a lot of problems in the centre of the court.

The Eagles took control of the game almost immediately and saves from keeper Stefan Bauer and the goalpost restricted the Manchester club to just seven goals in the first half, Ruislip leading 17-7 at the break.

Although several missed shots and unforced errors kept their opponents in the game, a strong second half performance from Jeremie Boullanger, as well as several fast breaks from Mark Hawkins and Michael Vitello, ensured the Eagles a comfortable win, which puts them top of the tree for Christmas.

They are next in action on 17 January, when they visit Leeds Hornets.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook