By Tallon Smith

The Berkeley Eagles are celebrating one of their biggest victories in years after defeating Collegians 30-4 in the opening round of the 2024 Illawarra Plate competition.

The match was a significant one for the Eagles, who have returned to the Reserve Grade competition this season after falling from First Grade to Third Grade after the pandemic.

Despite the adverse weather conditions, a healthy crowd turned out for the match, with homegrown NRL star Jack Bird amongst those peering over the pickets at the Berkeley Sportsground.

Berkeley centre and former Rabbitoh and Panther Junior Vaivai said that it was a good experience to return to local football after his distinguished career in both the NRL and Super League.

“It was good to play with a new team, new colours this year,” he said.

“I knew a few of the boys and the coach [Shane Donoghoe] a while back before I went over to play overseas and it’s good to come back.

“They’re a good bunch of blokes here and I’m glad I could be a part of the win.”

As for the side’s effort in winning their first game in convincing fashion after stepping up a grade, Vaivai said that the win was a big step forward.

“I think it’s a good stepping stone for the boys,” he said.

“Obviously, they had a good season last year in winning third grade comp, and I think the aspirations for the club in general is to try and compete at second grade.

“Collies are a very good side and they’ve been a good side for a very long time, but I’m just glad to be a part of the boys’ journey so far.

“Yeah, you know what, I don’t really, I try and do my job for the team, that’s the most important thing and I guess I’m just in the right place at the right time.”

As for why he chose to play for the Eagles in particular, Vaivai, who scored the opening try of the day, said that it was fun and mateship that drew him to Berkeley.

“I just wanted a bit of fun this year and like I said, I knew a few of the boys from a few years back, so they’re a good bunch of blokes here and I’m enjoying my time so far.”

In other Reserve Grade games around the grounds, new side Wombats defeated Dapto 44-28, while Wests beat Thirroul 30-18 and Helensburgh and Corrimal played out a thrilling 18-all draw.

In the earlier match, Berkeley’s Third Grade side started their title defence with a 12-4 win over a gallant Northern Suburbs side.

The Eagles’ Thirds side have big shoes to fill, aiming to emulate the efforts of last year’s undefeated squad which defeated Avondale 18-0 in the Grand Final and propelled them to Reserve Grade status.

In other games across the Third Grade Illawarra Shield competition, Figtree beat Corrimal 22-10, the Avondale Greyhounds won a close one 20-18 over Wests, and Windang completed a 20-0 shutout of the Wombats.

Finally, in the first round of the First Grade competition, Jay Watling scored a late try to give Collegians a 28-22 win over Dapto, Wests came from 12-0 down to beat reigning premiers Thirroul 16-12 at Gibson Park, and De La Salle Caringbah dominated Corrimal on their way to a 36-4 win.