Eltham 29 Casey 32
With a line-up only finalised late in the week, it was uncertain how Eltham would perform at home against Metro Conference leaders and last year’s Grand Final runners-up, Casey Crusaders. For much of the match Casey dominated possession and field position, aided by Eltham’s inability to maintain possession, and ill-discipline resulting in a string of penalties proving costly against the home side, and one yellow card. The fact that with four tries apiece, it was only a single penalty goal that separated the two sides was a credit to a scrambling Eltham defence that kept them in the match, especially when pressured on their own line. That said, when given an opportunity, Eltham showed the form they are capable of with some wonderful tries.
Key moments include:
- Samuela Rokoraivoka crashing over to score to make it 10-10 apiece after an early Daniel Gannon penalty goal from 38 metres.
- Down 10-24, Chris Lucas with a fine winger’s try finishing off a sweeping Eltham movement that went from one side of the field to the other to close the score to 15-24.
- In a play of individual brilliance, Joe Thompson fielded a kick in his own half before evading a number of defenders to race down the sideline before sending a long, looping pass to Luc Gavillucci to score near the posts. Daniel’s conversion had Eltham two points behind 22-24.
- Down 22-32, a great kick-off finds touch deep in Casey’s half, with Tomasi Q Mocevakaca scattering defenders to go over after the ensuing line-out to bring the scoreline to 29-32 with the conversion.
- Other highlights….Tomasi’s magnificent torpedo punts, Ari Su’a making his debut off the bench and immediately making a nuisance of himself with the opposition, the integrity shown by our linesperson, Ben Hurdle, despite home-town pressure, and Leigh Thompson’s new career as our Game-Face videographer.
Kuzina Player of the Match: Luc Gavillucci, making his season debut and benefitting after a rigorous training regime in Japan of saki, sushi and Wagyu beef!
Try scorers: Samuela Rokoraivoka, Chris Lucas, Luc Gavillucci, Tomasi Q Mocevakaca
Conversions: Daniel Gannon 2 | Penalty goals: Daniel Gannon
A big thanks to Roger for arranging an amazing culinary spread, and to Sylvia, Ange, Elaine, Claire, Andrew, Christine and Ella for their help on the day.
Full replays can be found at localrugbyhub.com.au/explores. Click on the View tab on the left-hand panel and scroll down to the match of interest.
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