By Mark Cashman

Gordon came out of the blocks quickly and showed that they are the real deal in 2020 following their classy 35-24 win over Eastern Suburbs last Saturday.

The Highlanders jumped to a 17-point lead after the first 30 minutes and then pretty much went tit for that in what ended up being quite an entertaining game.

This same game has oodles of bad memories for this Gordon group after a late try to Easts skipper and scrum half Jack Grant saw the Highlanders miss out on finals footy last year.

“First impressions were overall pleasing,” coach Darren Colman said.

“Like any match two weeks in there is plenty of polish to put on but I can’t fault the boys endeavour on Saturday.

“Most pleasing was we led by 13 points with with about 15 minutes to go. Last year they ran us down killed our season this year we kept the gap.

“That indicates that this team is growing and getting better at winning.

“The front row played tough. Jordie Goddard had a captain’s knock as always and the backs were a handful when they got decent ball.

“I feel we are in a good and we will continue to grow.”

Easts coach Pauli Taumoepaui said ill discipline was costly for his side right through the game.

“Gordon were able to create opportunities on their own and then it didn’t help when we were aiding them field position early on.

“Gordon seem to be the real deal, but that’s not surprising. Well coached and players hungry to build on their 2019.”

GORDON 35 (Jaline Graham, Tautalatasi Tasi, Brandon Quinn, Jordan Goddard tries; Rodney Iona 3 pen goals, 3 conversions) d EASTERN SUBURBS 24 (Moli Sooaemalelagi, Sam Shires, Charlie Smith, Richie Woolf tries).