Easts in beast mode as finals approach

Eastern Suburbs Rugby Union Club pulled off a big upset, beating West Harbour by 26 points at Woollahra Oval last weekend.

Easts bounced back from their loss to Parramatta in Shute Shield Rugby.

Eastern Suburbs Rugby Union Club pulled off a big upset, beating West Harbour by 26 points at Woollahra Oval last weekend.

Despite starting sluggishly, Easts led 13-3 at half time. Coach Campbell

They then ran away with the match in the second half to score an impressive 34-18 victory.

The Beasties were in rare form and looked dangerous with the ball all day.

They welcomed back Waratahs duo Brendan McKibbin and Jono Lance, with McKibbin starring with four tries, kicking two penalties and taking on chiefplay making responsibilities.

Lance, Clay Brodie, Ben Willis and captain Anton La Vin also crossed the line.

Coach Campbell Aitken said his side was boosted by the return of Waratahs Brendanof McKibbin and JonoLance, said coach Campbell Aitken.

They gave us a massive boost.“It is always good to get the Super 15 guys back. They just bring a wealth of experience and attitude,” he said.

Easts bounced back from their loss to Parramatta in Shute Shield Rugby.

After securing the bonus point, Easts may have kept their hopes at a top six placing alive.

The Beasties moved up one place to ninth, but need to pull off another major upset if they are to continue to climb.

They take on second-placed Warringah Rats at Pittwater Rugby Park on Saturday at 7.15pm.

Aitken said he saw enough from his side in the second half to believe that a top six finish is achievable.

“I think we have had a number of new combinations that I have taken a little time to gel and they are just getting better,” he said.

“What gave us more confidence was our performance in the second half.

“If we can keep that performance up I don’t think many teams could beat us.

“The top six is definitely there, certainly after last week. I think this weekend is another big chance for us and I am pretty confident we can get over Warringah.

“A lot of the guys are pretty focused to make the top six. It is still achievable. Our play has been fairly lacking at times, but we have become a little more consistent and would like to improve on that again this week.”

He said they needed to shut down the quick backs of Warringah to get a win.

“They’ve been good all year,” he said.

“We are confident in ourselves we have a side that can match them.”