By Mark Cashman & Image Clay Cross

Norths and Warringah couldn't be split at North Sydney Oval on Saturday in a clash that could easily have been a preview of this year's grand final.

Elsewhere, Manly beat Randwick, Gordon held on against Souths, Eastwood scored late to beat the Two Blues, Easts beat Hunter and Uni were too good for West Harbour.

Northern Suburbs 28-28 Warringah

A long range penalty goal attempt by Northern Suburbs flyhalf Jude Gibbs after the bell fell agonisingly short as the Shoremen and Warringah battled out an intriguing 28-all draw on Saturday.

All the smart money was on Warringah with the Rats on a four-game winning streak that saw them at the top of the Shute Shield ladder and Norths pulled apart by the prop forward injury crisis at the NSW Waratahs.