Apologies.. please note this weeks game is Eltham V Ballarat 2pm at Eltham Rugby Club..
Eltham RFC vs Monash University
Final Score: Monash 30 – Eltham 27
Nettleton Park – Glen Iris | 26/04/2025
Round 1 marked a long-awaited return for Eltham RFC to senior rugby after a one-year absence, a day that was meant to be one of celebration, unity, and new beginnings. The crowd witnessed history as club legend Marika Navuni ran out alongside his son, Ezekiel “Ziggy” Navuni, 17 years after Marika first debuted in Eltham colours.
There were flashes of brilliance early on, with Eltham exploding out of the gates. Highlights included a sensational 40-metre run by Robbie Hausegger to set up Ziggy for the opening try, a slick combination from Joey Vuwai and Tui Volau to send “Wise” Naulago stepping through for another, and an outrageous flick pass from Joey inside to Tui for a third. Max Delai’s late first-half try capped off a 22–6 lead at the break.
However, despite the scoreboard, Eltham’s first half was marked by shaky cohesion and risky offloads. Monash capitalised in the second half with a composed and disciplined style, clawing back the lead through smart kicking, set-piece pressure, and three unanswered tries. A late try by Matt Hudson brought Eltham back level, but a final penalty to Monash sealed their 30–27 win.
President Tim Adams reflected on the match:
“It was meant to be a day of celebration. Eltham returning to senior rugby after a one-year absence, Marika Navuni running out in the same side as his son, Ezekiel (aka Ziggy), 17 years after making his debut at Eltham, and with the day to be capped off with an Eltham victory.
Unfortunately, the latter did not happen, with a resilient Monash team chasing down a big half-time deficit to take the match away from Eltham late in the game.
There were moments of stylish rugby from Eltham in the first half… But despite the score, Eltham lacked cohesiveness, struggled to retain possession, and indulged in risky 50:50 passes.
Monash’s composed second half and late penalty goal proved the difference. Congratulations to Monash – a well-deserved win. For Eltham, obviously work to be done, but this is only the start…!”
Eltham Try Scorers:
T. Volau, E. Navuni, A. Naulago, M. Delai, M. Hudson
Conversion: M. Delai (1)
Next Game – Round 2:
Saturday 3rd May
2:00PM kick-off
Eltham vs Ballarat
Eltham Rugby Club, 58 Bridge St, Eltham
Let’s back the boys this Saturday at home bring the energy and the noise!
Related Posts
