Photo: AJF Photography

Sydney Uni and Norths secured their spot at the top of the Shute Shield ladder, while Gordon claimed their first win of the season and Randwick struck late to beat Easts in another classic local derby. Catch up on all the Shute Shield action from round three.

Gordon 43-10 Penrith

Gordon claimed their first win of the season, beating Penrith 43-10 at Chatswood Oval.

The Highlanders forwards scored five of their sides six tries, including doubles to Nick Brown and Tala Moli.

Discipline hurt Penrith, who were reduced to 13 men in the second half following a red and yellow card.

After a disappointing start to the season, Gordon are now just one win outside of the top six and will take plenty of confidence into next weekend’s crucial clash against Parramatta.

For Penrith, it doesn’t get any easier. They host defending premiers Warringah in round four.

Manly 23-15 Southern Districts

Manly have jumped into the top three after an impressive away win over a disappointing Southern Districts outfit.

While Southern Districts dominated possession, the Marlins made the most of their opportunities and scored two long range tries to lead 18-8 early in the second half.

The Rebels fought back late in the match, but were far from their best and are clearly missing the go forward provided by Reds recruit Brendan Paenga Amosa and centre Apo Latunipulu, who is still a few weeks from playing his first match of the season.

Manly were boosted by the return of Sam Lane off the bench however coach Billy Melrose said he still didn’t know how long the Stormers recruit would be available for.

Northern Suburbs 38-15 Eastwood

Norths claimed their third big win in as many weeks and secured their spot in the top three with an impressive 38-15 victory over Eastwood at North Sydney Oval.

The home side got away to a quick start and took control of the match midway through the first half on the back of two Richie Woolf tries in two minutes, to take a 19-3 lead.

Eastwood crossed twice through forwards Rob Lagudi and Rhys Allen but were no match for the 2016 premiers, who ran in six tries to claim another bonus point.

Norths have now beaten last year’s premiers, minor premiers and preliminary finalists in the opening three weeks of the season. They travel to Bowral next week to play Sydney Uni in a top of the table clash.

Eastwood return home to play Southern Districts.

Warringah 43-15 Parramatta

Warringah overcame a slow start to claim a bonus point win over Parramatta and move into the top six for the first time this season.

The defending premiers ran in six tries, five of which came in the final 30 minutes, including doubles to Seb Wileman and Harry Jones

Parramatta showed positive signs, particularly in the opening 50 minutes but two yellow cards hurt the visitors chances.

The Two Blues host Gordon at Lidcombe Oval next weekend in a match they’d like their chances in. Warringah travel to Nepean to face Penrith.

Sydney Uni 42-30 West Harbour

Sydney Uni continued their perfect start to the season and claimed their third successive bonus point win over a West Harbour side that refused to go away.

In a match with six yellow cards and one red card, all given for repeated infringements, West Harbour fought back from 21-3 down and trailed 35-30 late in the match.

Uni centre Will McDonnell scored an intercept try late in the game to seal the win for the home side and secure top spot on the Shute Shield ladder.

Pirates flyhalf Sam Malcolm impressed again and scored 20 of his side’s 30 points.

Sydney Uni are averaging 58.3 points a match so far this year but face their toughest test of the season next weekend when they travel to Bowral to play Northern Suburbs.

Randwick 26-19 Eastern Suburbs

Randwick overcame a 12 point deficit to claim an important seven point win over neighbours Eastern Suburbs in front of a packed house at Coogee Oval.

The Beasties dominated proceedings early and led 12-0 after Will Patterson latched on to a perfectly placed Mack Mason crossfield kick.

Randwick hit back with tries to Latu Latunipulu and Andrew Kellaway to level things up before half time and jumped ahead after the break on the back of a brilliant long range try to Aussie 7s forward Sam Croke.

Easts crossed again from close range to set up a grand stand finish before Randwick reserve Triston Elliot crossed in the Coogee Oval corner to score the winning try in the 78th minute.

Unfortunately derby week was marred by a neck injury to Randwick lock Nick Kellaway. Kellaway underwent spinal surgery after taking a knock in training last week. Randwick general manager Travis Partridge told Rugby News the 22-year old’s surgery was a success and he’s expected to be released from hospital on Monday. Best wishes to Nick and his family.