Report: Randwick First Grade and Colts win the Battle of the East

First Grade

Kicking off Round 3 early, Randwick hosted local rivals Eastern Suburbs at Coogee last Thursday, ANZAC Day. A number of players started the day by getting up before sunrise to attend the Coogee Dawn Service. The boys started off well, with the first points in the 8^th minute. It was a tight physical game with Randwick’s No. 10, Bryan Croke, outshining his much-lauded Eastern Suburbs opposite. Randwick went into the half-time break trailing, Randwick 6 Eastern Suburbs 8.

In the break the message from Coach Hadley Jackson was clear: “You need to lift your work rate.”

In the second half, Randwick’s work rate certainly increased with halfback, Mitchell Short, crossing the line for an early try. Croke continued to direct play; kicking to the corner to set up right wing, Zac Carr, for a try. Randwick continued to dominate Eastern Suburbs, snuffing out any opportunities.

Randwick 23 defeated Eastern Suburbs 15.

First Colts

In the lead-up to the Match of the Day, First Colts also played at Coogee Oval and easily disposed of Eastern Suburbs. Inside Centre, Kristian Jensen received a red card, but this failed to hinder Randwick’s relentless assault, which included a penalty try. Special mention to Openside Flanker, Finn Kearns, who scored three tries prior to the Red card.

Randwick 52 Eastern Suburbs 19

Other Grades

In Second Grade, it was a ‘top of the table clash’ with both teams undefeated. Unfortunately, Randwick succumbed to a more organised team.

Randwick 10 Eastern Suburbs 26

In 3^rd Grade, fullback Harry Tyson, scored two tries and retained Randwick’s 2^nd position on the ladder.

Randwick 19 Eastern Suburbs 10

In 4^th Grade, Randwick completely outplayed Eastern Suburbs running in 6 tries to 2.

Randwick 38 Eastern Suburbs 12

Match report supplied by Peter Meagher