ROUND 2 of the annual Eels Cup for Under 16’s Secondary Schools Rugby League saw MacKillop Catholic College seal their first victor in the compeition over Taminmin College 16 -14. The Eels Cup, in conjunction with the Parramatta Eels and the Northern Territory Government, has enabled a high school competition to run each year since 2014, with schools vying for a shot to play in the curtain raiser for the Eels match in Darwin on June 29. A highly contested game with both sides sitting at 10-10 at hthe halftime break, MacKillop Coach David Graham referred to the match as an “arm wrestle” He was satisfied to see his team clinch the win. “Both team came out raring to go, the lead changed a handful of times. Towards the end MacKillop was holding on and Taminmin were finishing strong. A few errors at the end from us got them back in the game and gave the coaching staff a few minor heart attacks” he laughed in an interview with the Darwin Sun. “We’re not at full strength yet but our preparation has improved and we’ve started to play cohesive football. We’re starting to play how a MacKillop side should play, calmly but with aggression". Commendable MacKillop performances came from dummy half Brandon Norris with calculated passing and Dan Hausler. After a loss to Palmerston last week, the Taminmin victory will give confidence heading into the next round against Katherine on their home-ground. “Katherine have always been a strong competitor and we’ll be playing them at their home. We’ll try put our best team on the paddock and ensure that we’re in that semi-final, “ he said.
