Suburbs streak to another win

By Stuart Teather
THE Eastern Suburbs continued their undefeated streak in round three of the Pillar Cup, defeating bottom side Melbourne Barbarians 31-3 at Romanis Reserve on Saturday.
The Suburbs were outstanding as they ran home four tries, including two 60-metre efforts from Michael Breen in his first game of the season.
The side was without usual coach Stephen Tia, who was interstate on coaching duties with the under-16 Victorian rugby side.
Stand-in coach Darren Rutene said the game was a lot closer than the scoreboard suggested.
“It was a lot tougher than our boys thought it was going to be,” he said.
“We ended up having a real battle with them, even though the scoreboard didn’t reflect that.
“They took it to our forwards in the first half and if it hadn’t been for our scrambling, they could have put 15 or 20 points on the board.”
As it turned out, the Suburbs’ defence was rock solid, and the only blemish on the scoreboard was a penalty to Anton Pilli.
Breen scored the first and third tries, the first from a 60 metre kick and the third from an intercept from the same distance, both of which ended up under the post.
Moses Haukinima was on the end of a series of excellent linking passes for the side’s second try, as he busted through the Barbarians’ line to put the ball down.
Rutene said along with Michael Breen, Lewis Leaumoana was among his side’s best.
“(Leaumoana) was outstanding — he did a lot of the work in the forward pack and made it easier for the backs.”
Facing the North West Uni Lions next week, Rutene said his side was in excellent shape.
“We’re in a position where we’ve got more than we need — we’re going to have to send guys down to the next division.
“Training last week was great, the guys trained really well and we had good numbers there.
“Next week will be our toughest test — (the Lions) have been giving everyone a going over, and I expect them to bring a full-strength side against us.”