Hills into knockout competition

By Marc McGowan
ENDEAVOUR Hills will enter the Victorian Rugby Union consolation bracket on a three-game losing streak after succumbing 21-10 to Harlequin at Holmesglen Reserve on Saturday.
The defeat gave the Hills a 2-9 record at the end of the Premier One home-and-away season, but its improved form will go on show in the newly formed bottom-six knockout competition.
A third victory looked on the cards on the weekend when, after a competitive opening 21 minutes, Endeavour Hills skipper Presley Naea scored the clash’s first try.
Oge Toala put the ball through the uprights to give the Hills a 7-0 lead over the second-ranked home side.
But two tries within three minutes of one another before half-time saw Harlequin snare a 14-7 advantage at the break.
Toala cut the margin to four with a field goal just five minutes into the second half to ensure the match went down to the wire.
Both teams went on the attack and had their chances before Endeavour Hills threatened to steal the win in the dying stages.
The Hills managed to make significant ground towards Harlequin’s try line, only for the hosts to score the sealing try on the counter attack.
Tim Finau, returning from state duties, added a touch of class to the Endeavour Hills line-up, while Naea, new Sydney recruit Iraisa Taala and Ahli Shadrock all produced good performances.
Hills coach Jeff Lemalu lamented the conceding of another late try.
“We held them out for so long until the last two minutes when they scored again,” he said.
“The boys need to learn to finish games off.
“We were behind in the second half, but we still should’ve taken our opportunities to finish the game off.”
Endeavour Hills takes on Southern Districts at Riviera Reserve, Seaford, on Saturday at 3.15pm.
The last time the clubs met, Southern Districts snuck past the Hills 17-13.
Endeavour Hills’ Premier Three outfit faces Maroondah at the same venue at 1.30pm.