A strong Southerly and a second-half downpour provided additional challenges for both teams when Eltham visited Casey, hoping to avenge their early season defeat. With both sides squandering multiple try-scoring opportunities, Eltham showed glimpses of their potential in grinding out a 18-11 victory that featured big defensive efforts from both teams. Some features of the game:
The benefit of using the wind to advantage was exemplified by some huge torpedo punts courtesy of Tomasi Q Mocevakaca, including one 50-22, that allowed Eltham to dominate field position in the first half. That said, once again it was Eltham’s inability to retain possession that compromised attacking opportunities.
An early penalty goal by Joe Thompson gave Eltham a 3-0 lead; a penalty for a melee initiated by a Casey player after a high tackle saw Eltham going close to scoring, before a strong push by the Eltham scrum allowed #8 Eliah James an attacking run down the blindside before Joe went over from the ensuing ruck to have Eltham ahead 8-0. A Casey penalty goal had the score at 8-3 before Aiden Smith and Rob Hausegger launched a sweeping attacking play that took the visitors to the Casey 22: a subsequent penalty saw a maul following an Eltham lineout win before the ball was put through the backs for Rob to go over, with Joe’s conversion taking the lead to 15-3. Another Casey penalty goal closed the score to 15-6 before half-time. A fumbled kick-off reception gave Casey good field position and an early second-half try to cut Eltham’s lead to 15-11. A single penalty goal from Joe 30m out into the breeze was the only scoring in the second half to take the score to 18-11…and no more note-taking as rain soaked my notebook and was playing havoc with my phone! What eventuated was a tough defensive grind, with neither side able to completely dominate the other.
Other highlights…. a huge first-half from a fired-up Luc Gavillucci before going off injured; the return of the “prodigal son”, Juke Nona, who had a busy game in attack and defence; a strong attacking performance by Samuela Rokoraivoka; great last-line defence from Rob, including one try-saving tackle; and speaking of tackles, the large Casey winger who thought he would just run over the top of Aiden Smith got quite the surprise when Aiden lifted him up and shunted him backwards! Finally, the atmosphere in the Eltham changing room after the match. For once, so many smiles…not a GF win but possibly a season-changing result for a rejuvenated Eltham side.
Kuzina Player(s) of the Match: Luc Gavillucci
Try scorers: Joe Thompson, Rob Hausegger
Goals: Joe Thompson 1 conversion, 2 penalty goals
Many thanks to Max Delai for running the line in bleak conditions, and to Casey Crusaders Rugby Club for the post-match drinks and dinner. 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.