Piling the points on: Campbelltown Eagles fullback Will Dreves won the Group 6 first grade rugby league top point scorer award on Saturday. Picture: Sean Cunningham
CAMPBELLTOWN Eagles Group 6 first grade rugby league coach Richard Barnes guided his team to an undefeated season, climaxing in a 44-10 victory over Thirlmere/Tahmoor to win this year's premiership.
But it came as a surprise to many when he failed to win the Coach of the Year award during the Group 6 awards night on Saturday.
Mittagong player/coach Scott Borg was announced Coach of the Year at Bargo Sports Club.
Eagles fullback Will Dreves had the Campbelltown contingent cheering when he was announced as the first grade joint top try scorer, along with Narellan's Ben Baker, both on 23 tries.
Dreves won the outright top point scorer award with 182 points.
The Player of the Year award went to Thirlmere/Tahmoor halfback Trent Trotter for his consistent performances.
The Eagles will conduct a fund-raiser tomorrow (Thursday) at the Bradbury Inn from 7pm to help two of their players who sustained injuries in the grand final.
Michael Bradstock broke his arm which will mean he will be out of work for up to eight weeks.
Eagles captain John Da Silva had four front teeth knocked out and will be awaiting a large dental bill.
Eagles coaching co-ordinator Daniel Draper said the future of the two injured players was in doubt.
"Both players haven't officially retired and will inform the club over the next few weeks," Draper said.
"But as loyal, dedicated players of our club, it's only fitting that we support the guys that have supported our club for many years."
Draper said there could be a bigger prize than the Group 6 recognition on the horizon for the Eagles.
"We now await to see if we have won the Claytons Cup, which is the team regarded as the best team in the NSW Country Rugby League," he said.
"Our stats for the year have proven we are the frontrunners for this award and we will see over the next few weeks.
"This award has never been won by any Campbelltown team in the history of the Claytons Cup which dates back to 1934.
"Only two Group 6 teams have ever won this award, Picton in 1966 and Mittagong in 1991."