Eastwood came close to winning another Shute Shield title, but fell short again in the preliminary final for the second straight year.

Coach Ben Batger has moved on following the end of the Woodies’ 2023 campaign, creating an opportunity for highly respected colts coach Dave Telfer to lead the club into 2024.

Overview with Ben Batger:

“It was a disappointing end to our season. I honestly thought we had a team that could win the whole thing but we probably didn’t play our best football in that semi final and it cost us,” Batger told Rugby News. 

“Unfortunately, it feels like another one that got away. 

“The semi against Randwick was a bit of a strange game. We had a lot of possession in that first 20 minutes and we weren’t able to come away with points. 

“Then our discipline really cost us. Between the 40th and the 65th minute, we gave away 17 penalties in a row and had three yellow cards in five minutes. 

“Randwick scored three or four tries in that period. You can’t afford to do that in any match, let-alone in a semi final. 

“I thought on our day, we were the best team in the competition but I think a few sides probably thought that in such a tight competition. 

“I haven’t quite worked out why we were so inconsistent throughout the regular season. We played the same game plan all year, some weeks it worked, other weeks it didn’t. 

“We did have quite a bit of personnel turnover throughout the year. Norths and Randwick had the most settled sides all season and it showed at the end. Whenever I’ve had success at Shute Shield level, it’s been in a settled side and we didn’t get that this season. 

“It’s bittersweet to finish up at Eastwood. I’ve been at the club for a very long time but I think it’s best for both the club and for my personal development for me to move on to a new opportunity. 

“I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved at Eastwood as both a player and a coach. I would have loved to win a Shute Shield competition as a coach, but it wasn’t to be. 

“I’m also really proud of the amount of Eastwood players we’ve helped develop who have gone on to earn professional contracts both here and overseas and I look forward to continuing to watch the development of those players.”

What needs to happen at Eastwood between now and round one next year? 

“I think defence is probably the area that needs to improve and the numbers back that up,” Batger said. 

“We didn’t appoint a defence coach until February this year and that was a mistake. We lost all that time from October/November through to February to work on our defensive structures and I think that showed throughout the season. 

“Hopefully the club spends a good amount of time on that over summer so that they are not chasing their tails throughout the season. 

“I think the club is set up really well though to continue to be successful.”

Is there a player at your club ready to take the next step in their career? 

“Nick Russell is a young backrower who had a great season. I think he finished the year ranked second for pilfers and he’ll only get better in the years ahead. He’s a really hard worker and has a big future ahead of him. 

“In the backs, we blooded a young centre named JL Bacon this year and he played probably five or six games in first grade. He’s another young player with a great work ethic and if he can continue to work on his body, he could be anything.”

What can we expect in 2024? 

““I’m hoping we’re sitting here at this point next year talking about the rise of the Beasties,” Batger laughed. 

“I think I’ll leave it at that.”