Shute Shield: Beasties struggle in race for finals

THREE losses in-a-row have the Beasties struggling to make the Shute Shield top six as they prepare to take on West Harbour.

Easts went down 52-20 against parramatta in their Shute Shield rugby match. Picture: Carly Earl. Source: News Corp Australia.

THREE losses in-a-row have the Beasties struggling to make the Shute Shield top six as they prepare to take on West Harbour.

“I think we have to be ­realistic with where we are at,” coach Campbell Aitken said. “While you never say never, it is going to be a tough ask.

“Realistically we need to build for next season and ­beyond.”

Easts went down 52-20 against parramatta in their Shute Shield rugby match. Picture: Carly Earl. Source: News Corp Australia.

They went down 52-20 to fifth-placed Parramatta at Merrylands Oval on Saturday and currently sit in 10th place with seven rounds ­before finals.

“We had a chance when it was 22-20 (27th minute) and should have gone for a kick, but we ran the ball instead. That seemed to be the turning point.

“The young kids in our team, their heads went down and Parramatta are an ­intimidating side to play against, we couldn’t get our minds back in the game.

“They will be better for that experience.”

Easts went down 52-20 against parramatta in their Shute Shield rugby match. Picture: Carly Earl. Source: News Corp Australia.

It didn’t help that captain Anton La Vin was sidelined with niggling injuries. He will be back for their clash with West Harbour along with Waratahs Tala Gray, John O’Lance and playmaker Brendan McKibbon.

“Having them back will make a big difference,” Aitken said.

The Beasties can expect another brutal game against West Harbour, who sit in eighth place.

“They are an up and down side as well, they are a difficult side to read to get any idea of form, from ... but they do have outstanding individual and they are very ­physical.”

They play at 3pm at Woollahra Oval on Saturday.