Endeavour Hills star Jeremy Nelson runs home his third try during the clash with Melbourne University on Saturday.By Stuart Teather
ENDEAVOUR Hills continued its strong form in the Victorian Rugby Union second division competition, handing out a 67-3 pasting to Melbourne University on Saturday.
The Hills entered the game coming off a 46-0 thrashing of Eltham and they continued that form from the opening pass.
The tries – 11 in all – rained thick and fast as the side went on a rampage and University’s only score came late from a field goal, with the side desperate to register on the scoreboard.
Endeavour Hills’ Jeremy Nelson was again a standout for his team, running home three tries to lead the Hills’ scoring.
Nelson had good support from Junior Salesulu (two tries and five conversions), Mafaufauga Taala (two), and Shane Autherman, Renaan Yakoob, Tasi Lemi and Loni Folau with one try each.
But it was Nelson who earned coach Jeff Lemalu’s praise.
“Young Jeremy Nelson in the backline is having a very good season at the moment,” he said.
“I think the forward pack is doing a very good job and Loni Folau is the other one. Junior Salesulu is another, just a few of those names had very good games.”
Lemalu said the most pleasing thing from the game was his side’s ability to get off to a strong start.
“I think we backed up from the Eltham game, right from the kick-off,” he said.
“That’s what we’d been working on for a couple of weeks after the loss to Geelong, a good start provides a good platform for the rest of the game.”
But the coach’s mind was already on this Saturday’s game against top-of-the-table Maroondah, the side Endeavour Hills almost merged with in the off-season.
“They’re top of the table and I’ve heard a few rumours they’re waiting for us, so it should be a good match-up,” he said.
“Maroondah and Endeavour Hills have always had a bit of history. Last time we met we won, but they’ve got new players in who don’t remember that.”
Meanwhile the Endeavour Hills B team hit the road to Geelong, but had a difficult time in the game and went down 26-10.
The side will look to bounce back this Saturday when it takes on Melbourne University at Frog Hollow Reserve from 1.30pm, while the A-team’s clash with Maroondah will begin at 3pm.
