Easts downed 85-19 by Sydney University in Shute Shield

EASTS suffered a brutal final blow in their last game of the Shute Shield season losing 85-19 against Sydney University.

Easts take on competition leaders Eastwood in the Shute Shield rugby at Woollahra Oval. Picture: Craig Wilson

EASTS suffered a brutal final blow in their last game of the Shute Shield season losing 85-19 against Sydney University.

The squad, which finished in ninth place, conceded 13 tries, including hat-tricks for Henry Clunies-Ross and Jim Stewart.

Billy Johnston, Ben Willis and Dave Anderson all scored tries for Beasties while Warwick Percival and Sam Windsor converted one each.

While coach, Campbell Aitken said it was hard to find positives from their disappointing finish, he pointed to plenty of good signs for next year.

“There are so many young kids that are coming through the ranks — that's a huge positive and the way the club is now structured going forward with our rugby program in place, there’s a lot to look forward to,” Aitken said.

The first grade Colts (under-20s) side is one of the only sides in the club to make the elimination round.

“A lot of the guys who are playing first grade Colts this year will get a position in first grade next year and hopefully they are the group for the foreseeable future,” he said.