Beasts charge into Grand Final qualifier
» Back to News Listing
Saturday, 6 September 2008
NSWRU Media Unit
Eastern Suburbs have the opportunity to make their second Tooheys New Shute Shield Grand Final in as many years after overcoming West Harbour 28-15 at Western Weekender Stadium .
Afusipa Taumoepeau uses the fend on John Sinisa.
Afusipa Taumoepeau uses the fend on John Sinisa. [2008 Tooheys New Shute Shield Elimination Semifinal B - Eastern Suburbs v West Harbour at Western Weekender Stadium, St Marys]
Steve Massey finds a gap in the Easts' defence.
Steve Massey finds a gap in the Easts' defence. [2008 Tooheys New Shute Shield Elimination Semifinal B - Eastern Suburbs v West Harbour at Western Weekender Stadium, St Marys]
In wet and windy conditions, the Beasts bolted to an early lead which the Pirates simply couldn't overcome in a draining match.
Easts will now have to wait for the result of tomorrow's clash between Randwick and Warringah at Woollahra Oval to find out whether they play Sydney University or Gordon in next weekend's Preliminary Final.
Running with a favourable wind in the first half, the Beasts needed to post an advantage early on to stamp their authority on the game, and it took them little time to do so.
Easts No.8 Richard Stanford had the opportunity for the first try of the game but knocked forward on the goalline after attacking from the back of the scrum. However from the ensuing scrum a tighthead allowed Luke Irwin to pick up the loose ball and cross for the Beasts.
Gavin Debartolo converted for a 7-0 lead in just the third minute.
They doubled that lead soon after when a Pirates' clearing kick was charged down, with Tom Azar dropping on the ball just inside the dead ball line.
Soon after the restart a scuffle saw Easts flanker Tim McGann and Wests prop Campese Ma'afu earn a yellow card, and to add insult to injury for the Pirates the penalty went against them after they were enjoying their only territorial advantage of the opening stages.
An Anton LaVin break resulted in Tom Egan crossing in the corner in the 12th minute, however the Television Match Official ruled his knee in touch before the ball was grounded.
The Pirates regained their composure but were forced to play out of their own territory with Easts using the strong breeze to continually turn West Harbour on their heels.
Weight of field position saw Easts again close to scoring, and after Ed Brenac was denied by the TMO once, he crossed soon after for the Beasts third try.
Debartolo's conversion extended the margin to 21-0 in the 31st minute which is how the first half ended.
West Harbour needed to be first to score in the second half to stay in the game and did so through a 70m counterattack from Lester Salanoa who crossed for his 14th try of the season.
Nick Reily's conversion attempt was successful and he piloted a penalty four minutes later to bring the margin inside two converted tries.
Easts regained the ascendency and momentum with a turnover try to Will Brock. West Harbour threw a loose ball while on the attack which LaVin toed through deep into Pirates' territory where Brock finished off the movement under the posts.
Debartolo converted from in front to extend to a 28-10 lead with 20 minutes to play.
Salanoa scored a consolation try after the siren to make the scoreline more respectable, however Eastern Suburbs thoroughly deserved their victory.
Eastern Suburbs 28 (Luke Irwin, Tom Azar, Ed Brenac, Will Brock tries; Gavin Debartolo 4 cons) d West Harbour 15 (Lester Salanoa 2 tries; Nick Reily con, pen) at Western Weekender Stadium, St Marys. Half-time: Eastern Suburbs 21-0. Referee: Ian Smith.
By the clock
3rd - Luke Irwin try; Gavin Debartolo conversion. Eastern Suburbs 7 West Harbour 0.
5th - Tom Azar try; Gavin Debartolo conversion. Eastern Suburbs 14 West Harbour 0.
8th - Tim McGann (Eastern Suburbs) yellow card for fighting.
8th - Campese Ma'afu (West Harbour) yellow card for fighting.
30th - Ed Brenac try; Gavin Debartolo conversion. Eastern Suburbs 21 West Harbour 0.
52nd - Lester Salanoa try; Nick Reily conversion. Eastern Suburbs 21 West Harbour 7.
59th - Nick Reily penalty goal. Eastern Suburbs 21 West Harbour 10.
60th - Will Brock try; Gavin Debartolo conversion. Eastern Suburbs 28 West Harbour 10.
80th(+) - Lester Salanoa try; Nick Reily missed conversion. Eastern Suburbs 28 West Harbour 15.