Eagle rue the loss of several key players as they are comprehensively beaten by high-flying Hoylake

EAGLE coach Danny Cahill was left cursing his luck at the loss of key players as his side were ‘nilled’ by high-flying Hoylake.

Having produced their best performance of the season in defeating Heaton Moor in their last game, South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two’s bottom side travelled full of confidence.

However, the hosts ran in seven tries and kept their visitors, whose discipline collapsed in the second half as they picked up three yellow cards, off the scoresheet on the Wirral.

Key back-rowers Simon Counsell and Steve Yates missed the game for Eagle and Cahill pointed to their absence as key to his side’s performance.

“The loss of a few key players from the previous week made all the difference,” he said.

“With a full squad we can put on a big attacking display and score tries, changes in key areas mean the whole dynamic of the team changes.

“Si Counsell dislocated a finger last week, and with Ste Yates also out two of our back row who made such an impact against Heaton Moor were missing.”

Cahill’s side, who sit four points adrift of Oldershaw at the foot of the table, now have a weekend off and return to action on Saturday, March 4, when they welcome leaders Liverpool Collegiate to Thornton Road.