Eltham’s hopes of returning to the winner’s list were severely dented by a dominant Monash University side, who ran out 32-14 winners in the Bendigo Bank Conference Competition match at Glen Iris. Off the back of expansive attacking play and a solid defence, the home side kept Eltham pinned largely in their own half for much of the first 40 minutes of the match, running in four tries to lead 0-22 at half-time. Eltham didn’t help their cause with poor ball retention, with promising breaks undone by knock-ons and turnovers, limiting attacking opportunities.
A try to Monash early in the second half to take the score to 0-29, compounded by the subsequent kick-off not going 10 metres, had many on the sideline wondering just what we were in for in the next 40 minutes. The turning point was the Eltham scrum: led by the front row of Gianni Teoh, Alex Cara and Mark Scott, the Eltham pack literally dismantled the opposition scrum on numerous occasions, resulting in multiple penalties and, importantly, field position in the Monash half. A string of penalties saw Ari Su’A shrug off two defenders close to the line to score Eltham’s first try, with Joe Thompson’s conversion bringing the score to 7-29. While Eltham’s handling wasn’t improving, more penalties saw Ari take a tap close to the Monash line, with Tolu Luatutu, who was having a strong game in attack and defence, going over to close the gap to 14-29 with Joe’s conversion. A scramblinglast 20 minutes saw the ball go from one end of the field to the other, turnovers and penalties aplenty, two (out of three) yellow cards “awarded”, and a Monash penalty goal. In the last play of the game, Joe Tomasi Q Mocevakaca combined with Mitch Ogden to take Eltham close to the Monash line, only to have a subsequent “try” to Joe following a kick-and-chase disallowed for…a knock-on. Final score Eltham 14 Monash 32.
Highlights include a strong match on debut in attack and defence from Mitch, and a brilliant try-saving tackle from Robbie Hausegger just out from the Eltham line.
Kuzina Player(s) of the Match: The Eltham scrum!
Try scorers: Ari Su’a, Tolu Luatutu Conversions: Joe Thompson 2
Many thanks to Eli Su’A for running the line.
Full replays can be found at https://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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