Eastern’s slump continues

By Marc McGowan
EASTERN Suburbs slumped to their third consecutive Pillar Cup defeat on Sunday, but the 20-10 result against first-placed Westgate Power at Griff Hunt Reserve was a much-improved showing.
The Power is yet to be beaten through five rounds, so the fact that Eastern was able to push the team to such an extent was a promising sign after a lethargic display in the previous round.
Both outfits were boosted for the contest, with Melbourne Rebels stars Daniel Palmer and James Lew being assigned to Eastern and Westgate respectively.
Both individuals had a huge impact on the match, with Australian under-19 representative Palmer opening the scoring.
Unfortunately, while doing so 18-year-old Palmer’s opponent fell over his knee.
The tight head prop took no further part and initial reports on the injury look dire.
Lew, who played for the Australian Sevens team last year, continued to leave his stamp on the game and created havoc for Eastern.
His influence allowed the Power to snare a 10-5 half-time advantage, and despite Lewis Leaumoana racking up yet another try in the second half, it was not enough to stop Westgate from claiming the points.
It was Leaumoana’s seventh score in what is rapidly becoming an unforgettable season for the boom youngster.
Eastern coach Stephen Tia was pleased with his players’ effort and believes it was only inexperience that let his side down.
“I am quite happy with the boys – they played quite well,” he said.
“I was quite disappointed with them the week before, but they had a dip this week and it all comes down to being a younger side again.”
Tia does not feel that his squad has dropped off after winning in the first two rounds, and claims Eastern has developed a strong reputation in the league.
“We surprised a lot of people, including ourselves, in the first two weeks and the boys were quite happy with themselves,” he said.
“We still see ourselves as a genuine threat, and so do the other teams, because our opponents have been really hard at us because they obviously think we’re a threat, too.”
Eastern will be looking to get back onto the winners’ list when it takes to the field against the third-placed Kingston Redbacks at Frog Hollow Reserve tomorrow (Friday) night at 7.45pm.
It is a rematch of the clubs’ round one encounter, which Eastern won 15-10 at Bob Jane Stadium.