Endeavour Hills flanker Junior Salesulu was among the best for the Eastern Suburbs against Westgate Power in the opening round of the Pillar Cup. 19166 Picture: Luke Plummer.By Stuart Teather
THE Eastern Suburbs have gone some way to avenging last year’s grand final loss to Westgate Power, defeating the side 35-10 on Saturday in the opening round of the Pillar Cup.
Despite having just days to compile a side, Eastern coach Stephen Tia found a winning combination of youth and experience.
When asked if he had the side he wanted, Tia said the most important thing was his charges had the desire to play.
“If they want to turn up to training, and they’re good enough, they’ll play,” he said. “The boys were really rapt, not just because they won, but because our preparation was really limited.
“We were competitive throughout the whole match and we ran over the top of them in the end.”
Tia said Endeavour Hills players Tim Finau and Junior Salesulu played fantastic games, and were among his side’s best.
“Junior played number seven as a flanker and he was everywhere – especially his attack on their number 10 was outstanding,” Tia said.
“Tim just had a good all round attacking and defensive game – it was his best game for the Eastern Suburbs.”
Conditions were a big factor at the Albert Park ground, with a strong wind giving a big advantage to the Power in the first half.
“I thought it was a 14-point wind against us in the first half, but we went up 12-5,” Tia said.
Tia said he learnt some valuable lessons from watching his side in its first game as the players adjusted to his coaching style.
“There’s a couple of young fellas that need a boot in the backside,” he said.
“When it comes to discipline and giving away silly free kicks, I jump down on that.”
Tia said he was not sure how his side would face up against the rest of the competition, despite defeating last year’s premiers.
The Eastern Suburbs’ next opponent, the Harlequin Souths, had a 29-23 win over the North West Uni Lions, while Kingston sounded out a warning with a 73-10 win over the Melbourne Barbarians.
