Endeavour Hills coach Jeff Lemalu was forced to reshuffle his line-up on Saturday after a host of injuries sidelined several key players. Picture: Stewart Chambers.By Marc McGowan
INJURIES and unavailability conspired to end Endeavour Hills’ encouraging run of form at the hands of ladder leader Power House at Albert Park on Saturday.
Power House led 31-0 at half-time before running out 60-0 victors in a dominant showing.
The Hills entered the Victorian Rugby Union Premier One contest without the in-form Junior Salesulu (hamstring), winger Baani Tanipela (back) and centre Michael Tupai (hamstring).
For the second straight week club star Tim Finau was called up to the Melbourne Axemen squad, and within 10 minutes of the match starting Vaiuta Faavae was on the sidelines after breaking two bones in his right ankle.
All up it was a day to forget for Endeavour Hills that was forced to use its reserve forwards in the backline to cover the absences.
Lock Luke Buckton impressed again, while other impressive performers were open-side flanker Loni Folau, hooker Ahli Shadrock and skipper Presley Naea.
Tupai’s injury could keep him out for the last two weeks of the regular season, but Salesulu, Tanipela and Finau are all expected to return this weekend.
Hills coach Jeff Lemalu was disappointed with the result, but conceded that the injuries were too much to overcome.
“It was not a very good week for us,” he said.
“We knew it would be a tough game against the leaders, but then three of our boys pulled out with injuries at the last minute which made it even tougher for us.
“We would have given them a run for their money if everyone else was on the paddock, but it’s just one of those things – injuries are part of the game.”
Endeavour Hills’ Premier Three outfit succumbed 34-5 to Power House earlier on in the day, but the club’s Masters, under-18 and under-12 B teams recorded wins.
The Hills face Melbourne University at Frog Hollow Reserve on Saturday at 3.15pm.
