The Park appeared a much improved side from last week’s defeat to Kiama, starting much more commitment to the cause.

This was shown when the visitors went close to opening the scoring early – prop Jack Scurr powered over the line, only to be adjudged to knock the ball on over the tryline. 

It then appeared like the hosts would make the Eagles pay, when Danny Wedd made a strong run but his inside pass to winger Kristian Jarrett went to ground – only to be gathered by the Lions.

Next play, Rixon Russell was held up – ending that attacking raid for the hosts.

This was as close as any team got until the 27^th minute, when the deadlock was finally broken.

After a number of strong runs by his forwards, Lions fullback Matt Winchester calmly dummied and scooted over from close range untouched.

Second rower Jake Taylor converted for 6-nil.

On the brink of half-time, it appeared that Gary Breakspear’s men were destined to level the scores up but fullback George Campbell was ruled to make a double movement as he scored – leaving the score at 6-nil at the break.

The fans didn’t have to wait as long for points in the second half, as the visitors opened their account.

Just when it appeared the Lions were going in for their second, after slick ball work by Rixon Russell and Joel Roberts, Eagles winger Jiye Ellis intercepted the ball and ran 95 metres to score.

Lauchlan Bryant-Smith added the extras, to tie it up 6-all.

In true Gerringong form, they responded within a matter of minutes – Roberts hit Winchester with an inside ball before the fullback made a return pass to Roberts, for the latter to score.

Taylor missed the conversion, leaving it at 10-6.

Minutes later, Roberts went agonisingly close to his second for Michael Cronin’s team, being held up – leaving it at 10-6 with 18 to play. 

After numerous attempts to crack the Lions’ line, the Eagles finally had their second when Lewis Hazelton hit Blake Jones with a wrap around pass, to score on the left edge.

Bryant-Smith converted to give the Eagles the lead 12-10 with 16 to play.

The upset win was secured when workhorse Scurr barged over with seven minutes to play – with Bryant-Smith nailing his third conversion for the afternoon.

Despite the best efforts by the hosts in the final minutes, which saw Kal Collins be held up, the Eagles held on for the 18-10 victory – their first victory at Michael Cronin Oval in more than five years.

In the win, Scurr, Jones, Kane Skarratts and Dylan Lucas were outstanding while Winchester, Wedd, Rixon Russell and Nathan Ford never gave up for the Lions.