EASTS are just now one win away from a grand final appearance after a comfortable 28-15 win over West Harbour at a rain-soaked Western Weekender Stadium in yesterday's elimination semi-final.

Easts' former Wallabies winger Clyde Rathbone felt Wests struggled with the shocking conditions and weren't able to play their natural game. "West Harbour like to play with width about their game and go from side to side, it wasn't a good day at all to do that," he said.

"They just weren't able to play expansive football because the conditions were so bad and that played into our hands."

Easts scored after just four minutes with halfback Luke Irwin crossing from the base of the scrum to score from close range. Just two minutes later Wests winger John Sinisa had a kick charged down by Easts centre Tom Azar only five metres from his own line, who pounced on the loose ball to score and with the conversion Easts led 14-0.

The Beasts further damaged Wests' morale with a try to forward Ed Brenac nine minutes before half-time which was again converted by fullback Gavin DeBartolo to blow the lead out to 21 points.

Wests offered some resistance in the second half with a try to centre Lester Salanoa who raced from the halfway line to score in the 53rd minute and the margin was reduced to 21-10 five minutes later.

But Easts replacement Will Brock got his side home with a try under the posts in the 61st minute which DeBartolo converted to make it 28-10.

Salanoa crossed for his second try late in the match to offer his side some consolation.