Fourth grade lost to eastwood in a somewhat scrappy affair. Eastwood , as they did all day, had numbers out wide as well the better of the breakdown.
Wicks third grade which is has some quality players coming back from injury managed to reverse the tables and stole most of eastwoods lineouts.
Second grade was well won by eastwood. They had five on two out wide for most of the afternoon and did well at the breakdown either winning contested ball or spoiling opposition ball. Wicks second grade were not convincing which may have been due to the change of players. Baldwin was very good but always in isolation.
In First grade , the Wicks started very well but could not convert. Two relatively easy penalties missed, a try knocked on within inches of the line all in the first twenty minutes. The score line should have read 13-0 but instead Eastwood took their first chance and got points. Finally Wicks got a three only to let Eastwood score a try after a Wicks dropped ball. Eastwood were getting on top and after sustained pressure they were awarded a penalty try from a scrum domination. The score now 17-3 to eastwood which they took to the half time.
Wicks started the second half as they started the first but this time managed a try 17-8 and then another missed three. After 12 minutes Eastwood had their turn and slotted three.
The breakdown had become a lottery with penalties aplenty which then saw Eastwood get a yellow and wicks throw caution to the wind only to have Eastwood score another three. Finally Wicks snap on and score a well worked try. 23-15 Eastwood were looking tired and got another yellow. Wicks took the penalty and took the score to 23-18.
IMO the Wicks were unlucky to not get up as Eastwood were not on song this day. A kicker at this level is a must even if it means sacrificing a spot.
All day Eastwood had the better of the breakdowns and in a lay persons view they managed the ref's at this point very well.
