Andrew Kellaway scores Ranwick’s third try to put the result beyond doubt – Photo: Ric McLallen

by Jim Davis –

Randwick outplayed Eastern Suburbs in the much anticipated ABC TV game at Woollahra Oval running out winners 33 to 10 with a 4 tries to one bonus result.

In a match preceded by some verbal shots from both camps and heightened by the move of Seilala Lam and Keith Mesima from the ‘Wicks to Easts, it was a game that had supporters of both clubs licking their lips.

Ball control was a major let down for Eastern Suburbs with 22 turnovers to Randwick’s 10, often giving possession away in attacking positions in the Myrtle Greens’ half.

The first 20 minutes was an arm wrestle with hard hitting defence from both sides then, in the 23rd minute, a good palm-off run by new recruit Liam Windon close to the Easts line, saw Randwick score the first of its tries.  

Prop Toa Asa had Randwick supporters in raptures with his winger impersonation in a sideline run only to be pulled down just short of the tryline – Photo: Ric McLallen

A further two penalties to Windon and Randwick led 14-3 then, to Easts dismay, winger Ethan Ford scored 30 seconds before halftime following the gathering of a well executed chip kick and final pass by Windon.

In the second half Eastern Suburbs were intent on rectifying the turnover errors and poor decision making and after a good aggressive lead-up charge by Seilala Lam, Easts prop Cooper Chapman bustled over for a try.

Henry Hudson converted to make it 19-10 and Easts supporters were finding a lot of voice.

Round 1 fatigue was very noticeable and Easts made a number of replacements to get fresh legs on the field.

But the day was going to be Randwick’s, with replacement Andrew Kellaway scoring and then just after the siren for fulltime, speedster Ford made it a double with a runaway 70 metre try following another good Randwick scrum.

In summary, Randwick displayed better ball control, was dominant in the scrums and showed more composure.

Liam Windon will be very pleased with his debut game for Randwick with an 18 point haul and young flyhalf, David Horwitz also had a good game for the ‘Wicks.

Both sides will improve over their opening round performance with turnovers and ill-discipline high on the agenda for Eastern Suburbs.

Randwick 33 (Ethan Ford 2, Liam Windon, Andrew Kellaway tries; Liam Windon 2 cons, 3 pens) defeated Eastern Suburbs 10 (Cooper Chapman try; Henry Hudson 1 con, 1 pen)