Election Day Saturday saw Easts host Bateman’s Bay Boars at the safe seat of Griffith Oval on our annual Sponsor’s Day.

A local crowd sick of corflutes & political rhetoric amassed for a genuine contest between two parties actually worth getting excited about. 

Eager to bounce back from last week’s defeat, Easts started well with some positive forward play creating space for outside centre Oumar Touré to cross the white line for an early 5 pointer. 

Bateman’s Bay soon replied, muscling over for a try of their own - A message to Easts that the only easy win in the ACT today would go to Senator David Pocock.

Though a fullback in his own mind, Easts’ Ethan Miles towed the party line and played in the second row with infectious energy & intent, making crucial tackles and tough runs.

Actual fullback, Connor Evans imposed himself on the game, marshalling from the back & always posing a threat with ball in hand.

The remainder of the first half saw both teams tussling for dominance, but neither willing to concede. Half-time score - Easts 7, Boars 5.

Frustrated by some wasted opportunities to start the second-half, Easts put on a dominant scrum just outside the opposition’s 22. Winning it against the feed, an impromptu 8-pick down the blind side saw the Boars caught off-guard. Easts Winger Jack Godfrey transitioned quickly from defence to attack, his eyes lit up as he screamed down the left flank to create an overlap, called for the pass & finally dotted the ball down in the corner with his other 3 limbs to the sky. Conversion successful, Easts lead 14-5.

Unlike the federal election, the match would remain a tight contest to the very end. Bateman’s Bay scored 2 consecutive tries, the second of which showcased some globetrotter-esque skills that somehow managed to penetrate a courageous Easts cover defence. Boars lead 17-14.

With less than 10 minutes remaining, Easts had worked themselves into good territory. A left-edge scrum saw ample space available for the backs who unlike the rest of Australia, swung hard to the Right to put winger Zeal Taiatini in space. Like a Clive-Palmer text message, this man couldn’t be stopped. Shedding tacklers like the LNP shed “safe” seats, Zeal dodged, ducked and eventually dived over the line to again put Easts in front 19-17.

The Magnificent Men would go on to hold the lead & secure the victory. 

Points for the Day:

3 - Zeal Taiatini

2 - Connor Evans

1 - Ethan Miles

Dick of the Day:

Lachlan Dagwell (yep, him again) for attempting to besmirch a fellow teammate and Coach’s #3 nepo-baby, Harry Hennerson. It’s noteworthy however that his boat-race effort showed marginal improvement this week.