Eastwood Preview Colts Finals Week Three
By Paul Treanor
A massive day at Millner last week saw all four teams come away winners and earn a week off this week by going straight to the preliminary finals. A fantastic effort by all and a reflection of what Eastwood Rugby is all about.
This leaves only our two Colts sides to play this weekend. Both games are at Forshaw Rugby Park. Colts 2 play on Sunday at 1.25 pm while Colts 3 play on Saturday with kick off scheduled for Noon.
Colts 3 Play Sydney University
Eastwood take on the Minor Premiers Sydney University in a clash that some said would be the Grand Final match.
University were surprised by a determined Eastern Suburbs side in week one of the finals when they were beaten for only the third time of the year 10 points to 12. Last week in a must win game to keep their premiership aspirations alive they came out and stamped their authority on West Harbour with a crushing 74 points to 5 victory. University has shown their dominance throughout the season scoring nearly 500 points in the regular season while only conceding 149.
Eastwood accounted for Northern Suburbs in week one with a 22 points to 17 win. In week two Northern Suburbs overcame Manly for the right to take on Eastern Suburbs in the other preliminary final.
While University have lost three games this season Eastwood have only lost four. One of those being against University back in Round 2 – 22 points to 32. Eastwood know they will need to play at their best to make the Grand Final and will leave nothing in the tank. The coaches will put together a game plan to capitalise on the opposition weaknesses while playing to our strengths. The one advantage they have is the Eastwood Spirit that rises to the occasion and will be the X-Factor on Saturday at Forshaw Rugby Park. Colts 2 Play Manly
Eastwood had a narrow win over Northern Suburbs in week one when they ran out winners 22 points to 20. Eastwood have been one of the stand out teams of Colt 2 and are just two wins away from becoming premiers. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We need to win this Sunday against Manly to earn a place in the Grand Final.
Manly had a loss to the Minor Premiers University in week one going down 30 points to 54. They backed up last weekend against West Harbour coming away winners 42 points to 25. The last time Eastwood played Manly was back on the 13th July. On that occasion Eastwood ran out winners 22 points to 15. Earlier in the year Eastwood defeated Manly 31 points to 0. Eastwood have scored slightly more points than Manly in the competition proper and their defensive record is far superior. The only loss the team has suffered was back in round 2 and on current form should again prove to be too strong for the Marlins.
The other preliminary final will be played between University and sixth placed Eastern Suburbs after they beat Norths 41 points to 5 last weekend.