Suburb’s 40-0

By Stuart Teather
EASTERN Suburbs continued their domination of the rugby union Pillar Cup on Saturday, belting bottom side the Melbourne Barbarians 40-0.
Playing at Sparks Reserve, the Suburbs were their usual ruthless selves, running through six tries.
Michael Breen crossed the line three times, and Michael Thompson, Presley Naea and Isaac Haimona all had one try each, and Thompson also had five conversions.
Suburbs coach Stephen Tia said despite the win, he was disappointed with a number of undisciplined acts that marred the victory.
“The score doesn’t reflect how bad we played, we were quite undisciplined — we gave away too many penalties and free kicks,” he said.
I don’t think we paid the opposition enough respect — I thought we were a bit arrogant, and we didn’t do what we were told.”
One positive for the side is its defence, having won its past two games without conceding a point.
“That’s one thing I was really rapt with … out of an 80 minute game, we had 14 men for 50 minutes, so you have to give the boys a bit of credit for holding our defensive line when you’ve got guys in the bin,” Tia said.
With two rounds to go before finals, the coach carried a stern warning for his players.
“With what’s going on with us, we have to start pulling our finger out or we’re going to be sad again this year.
“They didn’t play up to their standards, and that’s due to a lack of respect for the opposition.
“If you can’t learn from that, there’s going to be people missing out on a grand final spot.”
The Suburbs take on the North West Uni Lions at Frog Hollow Reserve on Saturday from 3.15pm, with the Colts playing the curtain raiser from 1.30pm.
The Lions suffered a 49-19 belting at the hands of defending premiers Westgate Power on Saturday, dropping them from second to fourth on the ladder.