Onward to victory: Tamati Smith charges down the line to score a try after receiving a pass from Anthony Uili, who celebrates in the background. Glen Atwell
THE Endeavour Hills Rugby Union A-grade side continued its charge towards the Victorian Rugby Union grand final after a nail-biting 32-27 victory against Wyndham City on Saturday.
After a close encounter against Monash the previous week, the Hills came out strongly. Unlucky not to cross for a try in the opening five minutes, the Hills defence withstood a strong attacking move from Wyndham, then rebounded and scored the first try in the 11th minute.
Stenter Mani converted to give the Hills a 7-0 lead.
Wyndham struck back with a penalty goal eight minutes later.
The Hills forwards pounded the Wyndham line, but could not find an opening in the defence before a penalty goal by Hills in the 29th minute provided a handy a 10-3 lead.
A try to both sides before half-time, and a subsequent conversion by the Hills, gave them a 17-8 lead at half-time.
Wyndham came out for the second half and scored two quick tries, but was unable to convert them.
After 14 minutes in the second half, Endeavour Hills trailed for the first time, 17-20. The challenge had been laid down and the Hills dug deep and mounted a sustained attack on the Wyndham line, crossing in the 19th, 23rd and 31st minutes, taking a 32-20 lead.
The nerves of the Endeavour Hills supporters got a working over as Wyndham refused to lie down, finally breaking out of its half with a determined run down the wing to be rewarded with a late try close to the corner.
But it was to no avail and, even though Wyndham converted the try, the Hills prevailed 32-27.
President Ashley White said if the Hills could stay determined they had a real chance of beating Footscray this Saturday.
“If they can take the same quality and determination into the preliminary final against Footscray, they may very well book a spot for the grand final,” he said.
The preliminary final will be played at Holmesglen Reserve, Power Avenue in Ashwood.
Try scorers for the Hills were Blenheim Mani, Aaron Ross, Romel Simpson, Tamati Smith and Edward Tonga. Stenter Mani kicked two conversions and one penalty goal.
The win puts Endeavour Hills into the weekend’s preliminary finals in all grades from under 12s through to seniors, reflecting a great year across all age groups.
It is the first time the club has had all teams from senior and junior grades in the preliminary finals.
The under 12, under 14 and under 16 sides all lost last Saturday, but due to their position on the ladder a second and final chance is on offer.
– Glen Atwell
