by Paul Cook - Three rounds in and with one loss apiece, this clash shaped up as an important marker in the sand for both clubs as they sought to keep pace with unbeaten Randwick at the top of the Intrust Shute Shield ladder. It was the Wicks who had dampened Uni’s early season spirits with an impressive win at Uni Oval No.2 the previous week, while the Marlins came into this one off the back of two wins over Parramatta and Gordon that were comprehensive on the scoreboard, but flattered to deceive in terms of performance. Perhaps mindful of the pace and intensity Uni have brought to the table in their opening games, Manly came out of the sheds intent on fighting fire with fire, and it took only 90 seconds for them to set their stall out for the afternoon. Patient phase play was rewarded by a barnstorming run from Mitch Lewis to get them in the red zone, and after a Sam Lane dummy edged them closer, a switch of direction and a lovely wide ball from fullback BJ Hartmann, put Ethan Ui