By Jon Geddes

LIAM Usher is the lawman who been taking no prisoners with Gordon in the Shute Shield.

The solicitor has had good judges noticing his performances as loosehead prop at the Highlanders, who are in fourth spot on the ladder.

After joining Gordon from Wests in Brisbane this season, Usher has been right on the case at his new club.

While coach Harry Fehily knew they had recruited a good player, in the first five rounds Usher has exceeded expectations.

“He definitely has been the surprise package for me so far,” Fehily told Rugby News.

“I didn’t think Liam Usher was going to step up as much as he has.”      

The coach described the new frontrower as “a very smart, controlled” footballer.

“He is an intelligent and level-headed player, but he is surprisingly quite dynamic and very good at contact,” Fehily said. “So he has ended up being one of our better ball carriers so far this season.

“And it’s not only that, but he also brings an awful lot of composure to the team.”       

Fehily was first tipped off about Usher when he had a stint with English club Doncaster.

He was just finishing his legal exams in Brisbane last year and through his rugby network Fehily was able to secure him a job with a law firm in Sydney.

TURNING THE TABLE

USHER will be out to make a big opening statement when Gordon take on defending premiers Randwick on Saturday at Chatswood Oval, in a game that could have a huge impact on the Shute Shield ladder.

Gordon currently sit on 18 points, three ahead of Saturday’s opponents Randwick, Manly and the Two Blues.

On Saturday Manly face Souths at Forshaw Rugby Park, while the Two Blues play Norths at Eric Tweedale Stadium.

Gordon are now chasing four wins on the trot following victories over Hunter, Sydney University and a convincing 34-14 victory over Manly last Saturday.

But Fehily was not getting caught up with all the possible scenarios this weekend.

“If you can have your team within striking distance at the right time of year and you get momentum, anyone can win this competition,” he said.

“Every week so far we have got better and better.

“As long as we are progressing in the right way and getting closer to where we need to be … I will be OK. If we go out and play like we did in round one (a 22-19 loss to the Two Blues) I won’t be too happy.”

BACK  ON TRACK

FEHILY knows what Gordon will be up against when they tackle the Galloping  Greens.

“Certainly as a club it is our biggest test this year,” Fehily said. “They are the barometer that everyone is chasing.”

Gordon has bounced back nicely after a rocky start when they lost their opening two games.

“The thing I was most pleased with was the patience and trust the guys had  – understanding how to get out of that situation and just keep plugging away,” Fehily  said.          

“And it is starting to push forward at this point.”

Two players crucial in keeping the squad focussed were skipper No.8 Milan Basson and lock Jack Margin.

“Those guys were glue that kept everything together in those couple of weeks,” Fehily said.