Shute Shield Grand Final: Eastwood Rugby’s ‘motley crew’ out to spoil Gordon party
They are the Shute Shield “motley crew” with the ability to cause a major boilover by winning this season’s Shute Shield on Saturday.
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Coach Ben Batger describes his Eastwood side as a “motley crew” but has no doubt they can get the job done in the Shute Shield Grand Final.
Eastwood is a team which underwent a major rebuild in the off-season and has introduced numerous new faces this year in a condensed competition under constant threat due to coronavirus restrictions.
A team Batger said was largely ignored at the start of the season when favourites were being discussed.
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“We’re a motley crew of English, Tongans, Fijians, Australians, a young guy who came from Randwick for an opportunity and with an Australian sevens player thrown in,” said Batger, a former top player himself.
“After last year we lost 100 games of grand final experience. Eleven senior players who played 100 games.”
No one thought we would be here at the start of the season but we have gone about our business quietly and let our results do the talking
Batger has successfully rejuvenated his team so they are now just a game away from winning the 2020 Shute Shield.
And while the journey there - which included a torrid 100 minute extra time marathon in the elimination final against Northern Suburbs - has been exhausting, Batger said his charges are up for the challenge against Gordon.
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“We are good, in really good spirits,” he said.
“We have a mantra of no excuses.
“Its doesn’t matter if Gordon have only one loss, that we only had just a six day turnaround, that we are a young team without finals experience.
“There will be no excuses from us.
“No one thought we would be here at the start of the season but we have gone about our business quietly and let our results do the talking.’’
SHUTE SHIELD GRAND FINAL
Saturday at Leichhardt Oval (3pm AEDT)
Gordon v Eastwood
Live TV on 7Two and 7plus