While last Saturday’s second edition of Eastern Suburbs’ pilgrimage to Orange gave the Beasties a chance to build on their stellar start to the Instrust Super Shute Shield season, it gave Grant and his fellow Central West products the rare opportunity to play on home soil.

Grant is, of course, an Orange City Lions junior while former Kinross first XV stars Cody Walker and Ned Yeomans also lined up in the top grade, along with Calare Public School product Ryan McCauley and Bathurst’s Charlie Clifton.

Those Central West products accounted for a full third of Easts’ top grade and didn’t disappoint either, Grant and Yeomans were among the side’s best, Walker’s work in the scrum was top-notch and both McCauley and Clifton scored tries in the 34-point hammering.

But on top of that, the likes of Orange’s Dan and James Donato both fronted in seconds as well – Easts brought that side, and their women’s team too – proving the club’s incredible link to the region.

“It’s not something we usually get to do so [the last two years] have been pretty special, it’s awesome to be able to come back and play in front of friends and family,” Grant said, saying the club’s entire playing group thrive on the atmosphere as well.

“The boys all love it. It’s great to get out here and mix with the locals, meet some new people, play some footy and then have a few beers with everyone as well.

“I really hope we do keep coming back, it’d be awesome to come back again. We loved it last year and again [last Saturday].”

That’s a sentiment Easts skipper Tim Buchanan echoed, labelling the Beach to Bush concept “fantastic”

“It’s just fantastic out here, it really is,” Buchanan said.

“We love coming out here. Obviously there’s a few local guys in our side and everyone in Orange gets around us and the hospitality is second to none, hopefully we’re back next year.”

Last weekend’s trip was a little different for Grant in particular considering he’s been made Buchanan’s deputy this season, he led the side against Randwick earlier this year as well.

“It’s something that’s pretty new to me and it’s not something I was expecting,” Grant said of the vice-captaincy.

“It’s pretty exciting to lead such an awesome group of guys and players and there is a lot of natural leaders in the side so that helps me, makes my job a lot easier really.”

Fortunately for Grant, Buchanan and the rest of the playing group, their enthusiasm is being noted and backed up by Easts’ board and while it is yet to be confirmed Beasties president John Murray says the club “definitely” wants to return in 2019 and beyond.

The Shute Shield will return to the Central West sooner rather than later though, with Northern Suburbs slated to face Eastwood at Cowra next month.