By MARK CASHMAN

Mark Nawaqanitawase flashed over for three tries but it was his side’s defence that had Eastwood coach Ben Batger talking in the wake of the Woodies 47-21 win over Warringah on Saturday.

The Woodies led 47-7 with five minutes left on the clock and although they loosened up a but in those final minutes Batger said it was some of the best footy he had seen all season.

“Yes I think we bounced off the bye fairly well and between the 15th and 65th minute we played some of our best football of the year,” Batger said.

“Through all the points that we scored the most pleasing aspect was our defence.

“It was 47-7 with only five minutes to go so that’s a fairly good indication that our defence and attitude was on.

“If we hold the ball I know we can score points and I think we built some good pressure against Warringah but there is still lots to work on.”

Early on though the exchanges were robust and the two teams traded tries from Pat Sio (Eastwood) and Boyd Killingworth (Warringah).

But from that point it was all Woodies with tries coming from Matt Gonzalez, Fabian Goodall and
Nawaqanitawase.

All the while Tane Edmed was turning the fives into sevens to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

The win sets up a crack at finishing second on the ladder but that chance will have to be taken by beating the minor premiers Gordon.

“Honestly it’s too hard to predict where we are going to finish,” Batger said.

“Our attention has to go to Gordon which is a blockbuster 1 vs 3 in the final round of 2020 and we will be aiming to finish the regular season on a high.”

Warringah coach Mike Ruthven said the Rats were well beaten on Saturday.

“Credit to Eastwood, they will trouble some teams come finals time,” Ruthven said.

“We had some chances in the first half that we weren’t able to finish off. Had we been able to capitalise on those it may have changed the momentum of the game but we weren’t good enough.

“It was disappointing as we had a lot to play for and really needed a result to keep the flame burning in our season.

“I have to look back and reflect on how I prepared the group as we didn’t get a performance that was reflective of a team who’s season was on the line.”

Ben Marr again was in everything and created linebreaks and opportunities. Seb Wileman made some strong carries and really looked to have a physical presence.

Rory Suttor provided some real energy and punch off the bench.

EASTWOOD 47 (Patrick Sio, Matt Gonzalez 2, Fabian Goodall, Mark Nawaqanitawase 3 tries; Tane Edmed 6 conversions) d WARRINGAH 21 (Boyd Killingworth, Josh Holmes Harry Anderson Brown tries; Ben Marr 3 conversions) at TG Millner Field.

IMAGE: SERGE GONZALEZ / EASTWOOD RUGBY