Eastwood Preview Round 15
By Paul Treanor
Grade
Last Saturday was a great day to watch rugby at Concord Oval. All Eastwood teams turned up to play and our supporters turned up to support. While standing at the coffee stand the lady who worked the car park gate told me she couldn’t believe the number of Eastwood supporters who had come down to watch the games. The Eastwood supporters were not disappointed with four from four making it well worth the trip.
This week Grade is back at Millner where they take on Parramatta, while Colts travel to Merrylands for their games.
4th Grade – 3rd place
Fourth Grade kicked off proceedings at Concord Oval last Saturday with a 23- 13 win over West Harbour following on from their win over Manly. This week they play a Parramatta side who only had their second win of the season last week against Gordon. The result was 52- 5 last time these two teams came together and it is hard to see Parramatta springing a surprise this Saturday.
Fourths are five points behind University and eight points ahead of Norths. These two teams clash this weekend and the result could see Eastwood draw level with University or jump 13 points clear of fourth.
3rd Grade – 2nd place
Third Grade bounced back from their draw against Manly to beat West Harbour 41- 0. An outstanding performance against a side who were coming equal fourth. The game this week is against Parramatta who have only managed two wins this season and were beaten by Eastwood 19- 54 back on the 11th May. On current form Third Grade should come away with a win and a bonus point.
2nd Grade – 4th place
After a disappointing loss to Manly Second Grade returned to the winners circle with a 38- 29 win over West Harbour. This week it is Parramatta’s turn to face Eastwood. They had their first win in five rounds last Saturday when they beat Gordon by 2 points. They have only won four games this year and when the teams last met Eastwood won 40- 26.
Again the Norths Vs University game has an important bearing on the ladder. University are just two points ahead of Eastwood and a loss to Norths will see Eastwood advance on the ladder. The competition is tight at the top and a bonus point win will keep the pressure on the teams above them on the ladder.
1st Grade -1st place
On leaving Concord Oval after the game last Saturday a West Harbour supporter was heard to say “Why didn’t they play like that for the whole game?” The answer was simple. Eastwood didn’t let them. Straight from the kick off Eastwood dominated West Harbour with defence, discipline and attack. It was therefore a little surprising to read on Sunday morning that Eastwood had a slow start. Hopefully teams lined up to play us in coming weeks believed what they read and will be in for a shock when its their turn to face an Eastwood “slow start.”
This week it is Parramatta who will be lining up to try and upset the competition leaders. On current form it is hard to see where they have an advantage over Eastwood. Their loss against Gordon last Saturday sees them languishing in tenth on the table and their season all but over. With a slim chance of scraping into the eight they will be looking for the upset of the round but Eastwood have the added incentive of the Minor Premiership and keeping ahead of University on the ladder. Wins and Bonus points over the last four rounds will be critical to the final make up at the top of the ladder. On last week’s form Eastwood are not about to let the Minor Premiership slip. The University Vs Norths game this weekend will be viewed with interest.
Colts
Thirds – 3rd Place
This week’s round is an interesting one for Colts Thirds. Competition Leaders (University) play second placed Norths, while Eastwood take on fifth placed Parramatta. With only 4 points separating University and Eastwood a change at the top of the ladder is on the cards. Last weekend Parramatta had the bye while Eastwood beat West Harbour 36- 19. The previous game between the two teams saw Parramatta run out one point winners and so a close game should start proceedings at Merrylands.
Seconds – 2nd Place
Seconds maintained their undefeated run when they took care of West Harbour 29- 22. They come up against a Parramatta side this week who have won five of their last seven games and sitting in seventh place. They will be looking to extend that to six. With the bye next weekend Eastwood will want to keep their winning streak going. Again the University Vs Norths clash will have a bearing on the table. Wins to Eastwood and Norths would see Eastwood move to the top of the table. Both sides have a lot riding on this week’s match but the added incentive of a possible move to the top of the table should see Eastwood take all points on offer.
Firsts – 8th Place
Firsts third straight loss has seen them drop from equal 5th to 8th. They sit just four points ahead of Gordon and their season depends on them returning to the winners list over the final three rounds. They play Parramatta, Gordon and Easts. While Gordon play Southern District, Eastwood and Sydney University. Eastwood will need to start off with a win this Saturday to give themselves breathing space. Parramatta are running fifth and are coming off a 46-10 win over Gordon. On current form Firsts have a tough task ahead of them but we know they run hot and cold and are capable of reversing the one point loss to Parramatta back in May.
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