Fourth-grader’s fairytale try not enough as Eastern Suburbs claim Shute Shield title

Eastern Suburbs put the finishing touches on a near-perfect Shute Shield season and avenged last year’s grand final heartbreak with a commanding victory over Warringah in Saturday’s decider.

Ruthlessness triumphed over romance at Leichhardt Oval as Easts claimed a comprehensive 31-15 win, prompting wild scenes as club supporters swarmed the field at full-time.

Leading 28-15 with six minutes remaining, Easts fullback Sid Harvey knocked over a penalty to seal victory and ensure the minor premiers claimed their second premiership in three seasons.

Easts were the dominant side all year, losing just two matches on their way to the decider – a rematch between last year’s grand finalists.

With the pain of defeat in that match clearly motivating them to ensure there was no repeat, Easts produced a clinical performance to prevail by four tries to three. NSW representative Teddy Wilson was outstanding, while No.8 Jimmy Hokafonu had the game of his life, scoring two tries and helping set up victory with an impressive power game close to the Rats’ line.

Coached by Ben Batger and captained by second-rower Josh Bokser, who claimed man of the match honours, Easts consistently found themselves in the right parts of the field and controlled the game beautifully. All four of their tries were scored by forwards.

“It’s outstanding. I’m actually lost for words,” Wilson said at full-time. “From the heartbreak last year, coming back and being able to get it done, I am so happy. There were a few thoughts back to last year, but we got it done in the end.”

Warringah captain Ben Marr said: “I’m really sorry we didn’t get it done. We tried our best, but it wasn’t good enough. We really appreciate you guys supporting us. I’m so f—ing proud to wear the jersey with you boys. It’s going to hurt for a long time.”

Tom Gee’s fairytale rise from fourth-grade hooker to first grade starter came to life when the unheralded Warringah forward scored the opening try of the match, raising hopes of one of the remarkable club rugby stories.

An injury crisis at Warringah early last month saw Gee rocket through the grades from fourth to first, depriving him of the chance to drink beer on Saturday afternoons while watching those in the top grade.

After chalking up 12 games in fourth grade this year, Gee got Warringah’s bid for back-to-back titles off to a dream start, catching a cross-field kick from Rats No.10 Byron Smith before muscling his way to the line over Waratahs star Harvey.

Easts responded with two tries in five minutes – prompting several large French flags (Easts colours) to be waved on the hill – courtesy of tighthead prop Reon Lowery and Hokafonu to take a 14-5 lead after 25 minutes.

Warringah were punished for poor discipline and struggled to find their rhythm before Pat La Torraca crossed to reduce the margin to four points.

Easts then capitalised when Warringah were reduced to 14 men, with Hokafonu bulldozing his way over for his second try to give the Beasties a 21-10 half-time lead.

As wild wind and heavy rain swept across Leichhardt Oval to begin the second half, Easts loose-head prop Rob Cobb continued the forwards’ dominance by adding his name to the scoresheet before Warringah’s Luke Reimer cut the margin to 28-15.

Warringah No.10 Byron Smith missed all three of his conversion attempts, but they ultimately would not have made a difference as Harvey iced the game with a late penalty, sending Easts supporters back to Woollahra Oval for a night of celebrations.

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