By Jon Geddes; Image: J.B Photography

EASTERN Suburbs head coach Ben Batger was like the new teacher at school heading into last Saturday’s first round Shute Shield game against West Harbour at Woollahra Oval.

And the revitalised 2024 team have clearly done their homework in the off-season, passing their first test with an encouraging 31-15 win over a spirited Wests outfit.

Ater a distinguished career at Eastwood, where he enjoyed success as both player and coach, Batger took on a new challenge by heading to Sydney’s leafy east with a mission to lift the performances of the Beasties.

The recent report cards of his new pupils would read: “Fail to fulfill undoubted potential. Need to be more diligent.”     

At the start of recent seasons Easts would always be touted as a genuine premiership threat, only to fall behind the rest of the field.

Last year the Shute Shield side finished in a very disappointing 10^th spot, which was unacceptable for a club with such a proud history.

In round one, the influence of the new coach was already evident.  

TACKLING THE ISSUES 

“IT was a really good effort by the boys,” Batger said. “We talked about having a bit more defensive resolve and I think we showed that.

“Wests had quite a bit of ball on our line and to keep them to two tries I was pretty happy.”

That effort was evident in the first 20 minutes when Wests were dominating, but Batger’s team only let in three points.

“And at one stage in the second half we were down to 13 men and to only conceded one try was pretty impressive as well,” Batger said.

“That’s what you want to see at this time of year, a bit of grit, because obviously the cohesion is not quite there yet.”

And Easts’ new defensive coach, the vastly experienced Brian Melrose, has implemented a few new systems with more time dedicated to that area than they have in the past.

NEW FACES

THERE is no doubt that Easts will only improve as the combinations gel and with 10 recruits in the team on Saturday, that will take time.

It should also have rivals on alert as the season progresses.    

“You could probably see our attack was a little clunky,  but we have enough individual talent to break the games open, we just need to get a bit more consistency and hold the ball for longer periods,” Batger said.  

NSW squad member Harry Wilson impressed Batger with his performance at fullback.

“He carried quite strongly and coming back from the Waratahs we want him to play a level above,” Batger said.

And he described the performance of big No.8 George Gibson as “outstanding” after playing the full 80 minutes.

“And I thought our captain Josh Bokser led the guys really well because it is a new team,” he said.

FEELING THE HEAT

BATGER admitted he did feel a bit more pressure heading into the opening game at his new gig.

“They have obviously brought you in to do a job and help the team improve,”  he said.

“You want to start off on the right foot and luckily the boys repaid me with a good performance.    

“It was good outing for the new coach at his new club.”

On Saturday Easts are at home to Gordon, who went down 22-19 to the Two Blues in their first game.