The awaited battle of the Hills, Box Hill versus Endeavour Hills, delivers an entertaining game of Rugby.
The Match
Despite a scoreline depicting a clear win by Box Hill, Endeavour Hills played a gallant game and snatched a last-minute try to earn a bonus point.
The home team impressed with composure in defence and speed from the backs. The visitors demonstrated that they possess a much better competitive spirit than in previous years.
First Half
The game started uphill for the visiting team punished with a yellow card for a high tackle by winger Jason Lam. Endeavour Hills conceded almost immediately, with the first try to Box Hill’s outside centre Felipe Vilitali. Thompson conversion made it 7-0 to Box Hill after 11 minutes.
Within minutes from the sin bin return, Box Hill scored another Try, this time to flyhalf Alex Healy. Vilitali missed the conversion attempt, in the gusty wind. Score 12 – 0 to Box Hill.
The deficit didn’t affect the visitors, who continued to attack in an open fashion, and had the Box Hill defence pinned on their goal line. Despite the stout Box Hill defence, they eventually conceded the penalty. Endeavour Hills settled for the three points, slotted by Rewi-Wetini. Scores 12 – 3 to Box Hill.
The formidable Box Hill’s backs combined at the 31st minute for the third try of the match. Speedster winger Saimoni Rokowaqa beat a couple of defenders and place the ball over the line in front of the posts. The Try was converted, making the score to 19 – 3 to Box Hill.
Endeavour Hills finished the first half very strongly, and got their first Try, courtesy of substitute prop Jordan Topai-Aveai. Before Mr Jensen’s final whistle, the Eagles had another penalty 35 metres out. This time, Rewi-Wetini missed the target.
Half time score Box Hill 19 – Endeavour Hills 8.
Second Half
Box Hill come out from the sheds firing, determined to close off the game as quick as possible. Two tries in rapid succession from Maciu Rokowaqa and Etuate Tabua put the game out of the visitors’ reach, however trailing 31-8 Endeavour Hills recomposed and put some pressure in the home team half.
Possession and territory advantage resulted in two tries to the Eagles. However, the Broncos managed to score another in the same period.
Some ill discipline from Box helped Endeavour Hills establish dominance late in the match. The Broncos lost two players in succession to the sin-bin: firstly Wootton than Savea. Box Hill with 14 players on the field for 20 minutes.
Despite the numerical advantage, Endeavour Hills wasn’t able to come back, but they kept on pushing and in dying seconds of the game they scored another team try which gave them a deserved 4-tries attacking bonus point.
Final scores: Box Hill 38 – Endeavour Hills 23.
The Wrap Up
The game confirmed the good form of both teams. The Broncos look like the complete package, battling for the entire 80 minutes.
The much improved Eagles are in the race to snatch the fourth spot in the finals. Early signs see them and Moorabbin being the only two contenders.
Game Changer
The first minutes of the second half decided the game’s fate. Box Hill stopped any hope of a comeback by Endeavour Hills. Maciu Rokowaqa and Etuate Tabua combined to deliver a one-two punch, from which the Eagles did not recover. c
G&GR MOTM
Alex Masters was able to glue the tight forward pack and the quick backs; his vision was crucial to create space for the centres and he directed very well his backrowers.
Rising Watch
The search for the new SuperSefa Naivalu has in the Box Hill backs already begun, Vilitali was impressive for speed and vision, as well as the Rowacas, both Saimoni and Maciu Rowaca were in fine form. Gab Navuni at lock was a solid performer for the Broncos as well as outside flanker Jack Merrillees.
Eagles’ scumhalf Fia Iulio played very well, but we were impressed by the strength of prop Jordan Topai-Aveai.
The Details
Score & Scorers
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Box Hill 38 (19):
Tries: Vilitali 11’; Healy 19’; S. Rokowaqa 31’, M. Rokowaqa 41’, Tabua 46’
Conv.: Thompson 1/1 Vilitali 3/5
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Endeavour Hills 23 (8):
Tries: Jor. Topai-Aveai 37’, Jos. Topai-Aveai 53’, tbd 66’, tbd 80’
Conv.: Rewi-Wetini 1/3, Iulio 0/1
Pen.: Rewi-Wetini 1/2
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Cards & citings
Yellow cards: Endeavour Hills: Lam 9′- 19′
Box Hill: Wootton 52′- 62′, Savea 62′- 72′
The Other Matches
In other Dewar Shield matches, undefeated Harlequins and Unicorns kept their winning form. The defending champions humiliated Footscray by 71 points, inflicting to the Bulldogs their fourth consecutive loss in a very punishing fashion.
Melbourne Unicorns won comfortably at the Pirate Ship by 28 points to set up a top of the ladder clash with the Harlequins next week.
The two teams will face each other at Romanis Reserve in a highly anticipated match.
In the last match of the round, Power House enjoyed its second win of the season downing 21 – 13 Melbourne University.
Box Hill – Power House 29 – 10
Southern Districts – Harlequins 21 – 48
Endeavour Hills – Moorabbin 24 – 22
Melbourne University had the Bye.
