Nice weather for ducks: Eastwood’s Nick Batger battles the sodden surface
Photo: seiserphotography.com

by NSW Rugby –

In a second week of wet weather rugby, Eastwood didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits, or their ambition, as they retained pole position with a 29 to 7 away win over Randwick.

The wet weather had its affect elsewhere though.  With Northern Suburbs’ game against Penrith postponed, several other teams struggled to cope under the conditions. Manly managed to post a convincing 33-14 win over Parramatta, Southern Districts proved their strength against Warringah winning 44 to 17, and Gordon couldn’t stop a resurgent West Harbour, going down 26 to 6.

Eastwood v Randwick

With the rain a constant throughout the match, staying on their feet and keeping the ball in hand proved a constant battle for both sides. But Eastwood looked the better team in the wet, with the forwards taking control of the ball and the backs kicking for good distance. Although Randwick fought back in the second half, the Galloping Greens were unable to end Eastwood’s dominant run, losing 29 to 7.

Making his first start since the start of last season, fit-again Eastwood hooker Damien Fitzpatrick said, “It was pretty tough out there.  But the good thing was we knew the conditions were going to be like this, it’s rained all week so we prepared for the conditions. It wasn’t really a spectator game, but we’re happy with the win.”

Eastwood’s dominance gave the Galloping Greens little chance of points in the first period, as they spent it camped in their own half.   With the Woodies piling on the pressure and continually battering the Greens’ defence, a try seemed inevitable and came when a turnover resulted in Mark Frost crossing the line for the Woodies’ first points. Soon after, Pierre Hola added a penalty in front and minutes later a TMO decision saw Hugh Roach score the Woodies’ second try, taking the half-time score to 15-0.

The Woodies’ dominance continued after the break with captain Hugh Perrett crossing the line less than 10 minutes into the half. Although the rain continued to fall, the Woodies managed to add a bonus point try through Cam Mitchell, who made the most of the waterlogged pitch to slide in from more than 5m out and take the lead to 29-0.

With only 20 minutes left in the match, the Galloping Greens surged back, making quick metres down field to set up an attack only metres from the Woodies’ line. Minutes later Drew Mitchell took on the defence, beating two and pushing back another two defenders to score Randwick’s only try of the match. The Galloping Greens continued to fight but a denied try in the last minutes and a lost ball only metres from the try line saw them fall short and Eastwood earn yet another bonus-point win.

Eastwood 29 (Mark Frost, Cam Mitchell, Hugh Perrett, Hugh Roach tries; Pierre Hola 3 cons, pen) d Randwick 7 (Drew Mitchell try; Harrison Boileau con)

Aisea Namoa on the charge for the Pirates – Photo: seiserphotography.com

West Harbour v Gordon

The Pirates fought hard to make up for last week’s large defeat against the Students, defeating the Highlanders 26 to 6. In terrible conditions, the Pirates took control of the match using their strength up front to cross the line four times. But it wasn’t all forward dominated, with wing Alofa Alofa crossing twice for a double. The Highlanders managed only six points from the boot of Terry Preston.  The result means the Pirates now move up to fifth place (with two games still to be played).

West Harbour 26 (Alofa Alofa 2, David Lolohea, Alfred Pinomi tries; Jack Debreczeni 3 cons) d Gordon 6 (Terry Preston 2 pens)

*******

Manly v Parramatta

The Marlins have had another convincing victory, defeating the Two Blues 33 to 14 for their eighth win of the season. The Marlins took the lead early, crossing for a try in the first minutes, and they continued to dominate throughout the match. Struggling in the conditions, the Two Blues were kept scoreless until well into the second half, before adding two tries through captain Andrew Cox and centre Damien Fakafanua. The win cements the Marlins’ fourth place on the Shute Shield ladder.

Manly 33 (Jacob Woodhouse 3, Kotoni Ale, Marshall Milroy tries; Tom Chesters 2 pens, con) d Parramatta 14 (Andrew Cox, Damien Fakafanua tries; Dan Rawaqa 2 cons)

*******

Southern Districts v Warringah

Souths have cemented their second spot on the table with a strong bonus-point win over the Rats. Despite the terrible conditions, the Rebels were unafraid to send the ball wide, with both forwards and backs crossing the line to secure a four-try bonus point. Although the Rats struggled to keep hold of the Rebels, they will managed to cross the line three times through backs Brad Dixon and Michael Adams and flanker Sam Ward.

Southern Districts 44 (Grayson Hart, Sam Latunipulu, Rohan Saifoloi, Lopeti Timani, Ben Volavola tries; Rohan Saifoloi 5 cons, 3 pens) d Warringah 17 (Michael Adams, Brad Dixon, Sam Ward tries; David Harvey con)

In the remaining scheduled match of the round, Sydney University will host Eastern Suburbs tomorrow.  Following today’s postponement, Northern Suburbs v Penrith will be played at a later date.