A VICTORY TO SAVOUR

NEWTOWN & Chilwell coach Damien McMahon labelled his team’s comefrom-behind victory over St Albans as its best for the season.

But that does not mean it was their best performance.

The Eagles trailed all day before hitting the lead in the last quarter and pulling away to win by 18 points.

McMahon’s comments are certain to raise eyebrows across the GFL given the Supersaints’ struggles, but the experienced coach said the victory was full of merit.

“It was a fantastic win. It was our best win for the season,” he said.

“You might find that an odd comment, (given it was) against a team that has only won one game.

“It was a fantastic team performance. We had five forced changes, two debutants and to win the way we did in what was a pretty ugly game full of mistakes (was pleasing).

“We have certainly played better, but considering a number of facets and what unfolded, it was great.

“In true Newtown style, we kept coming, we had a crack and that’s why we won, I think.”

The Eagles were reduced to 21 men for most of the match after Harrison Dalton suffered a hamstring injury in the opening 10 minutes.

It hurt Newtown & Chilwell’s running game on the open expanses of The Gordon TAFE Oval.

Darcy Troop was huge, booting five goals. It was his first big bag since a haul of seven against Lara.

McMahon also praised the shutdown roles Jacob Sharp and Tim Horan played.

“We were pretty happy with those run-with roles. We thought we won that battle,” he said.

“There was a fantastic match up between Jacob Sharp and (Luke) Williams. Williams certainly had the better of him in the first half and then Sharp came back and probably won the duel in the second half.

“Tim Horan, one of our leaders, playing on (Justin) Carey. Playing a tight, accountable role, I couldn’t fault him.”

McMahon said the Eagles would continue to build for the future in the final five games, highlighting the inexperience in the squad that played against the Supersaints.