By MARK CASHMAN

Eastwood grabbed their first victory of the 2020 Shute Shield season when they skipped away from the Hunter Wildfires in the final 20 minutes of the 46-11 win on Saturday.

It was the Wildfires first home game of the season and they well and truly turned up to play with only match fitness and some set piece foibles coming against late in what was a high standard game of rugby.

The Hunter boys did it well in the first half getting first points on the board through Brendan Holliday with a penalty goal and then being well in the match when Shawn Ingle scored a try.

Halftime came at a good time for Eastwood (they were up 13-6) and they were able to refocus and get their heads around the fact that this game was being played in the rain and they would have to adjust their behaviours.

That little chat resulted in 33 unanswered points in the final 32 minutes – good return for their efforts.

“We knew they would be very physical and committed in the opening exchanges and because we failed to build pressure they grew energy and confidence and it was a real arm wrestle for 60 minutes,” Eastwood coach Ben Batger said.

“Once we worked out we had to hold the ball and play wet weather football we played really well and I thought our support play was really good which lead to a number of long range tries.

“Our captain Pat Sio led from the front, while Daniel Cosgrove on debut was really good and Lachlan Shelly just gets better every week.

“All credit to Hunter though they had a real crack.”

Hunter Wildfires coach Scott Coleman said: “Yes were in the game for 55-60 minutes and then I just think match fitness, continuity and our set piece started to struggle and they got four quick tries in the last 15 minutes.

“We are getting better each game. Last week we were out of the game after 10 minutes, we were too far behind.

“We were a chance of winning it with 30 minutes to go. There was definite improvement. When I do the video review, I will definitely get a lot out of it.”

EASTWOOD 46 (Ed Craig, Michael Icely, Matt Gonzalez, Enoka Muliufi, Devan Stolz, Chris Bell tries; Tane Edmed 5 conversions, 2 pen goals) d HUNTER WILDFIRES 11 (Shawn Ingle try, Brendan Holliday 2 pen goals) at Newcastle No.2 Sportsground.