By MARK CASHMAN

Gordon have been known for their direct and inventive attack in 2020 but their coach Darren Coleman was pretty chuffed about their defence in the 42-15 win over Randwick on Saturday.

The Highlanders scored six tries to two in a fantastic encounter in what was a good day for the visiting club at Coogee winning one and twos, fourth grade and second grade colts.

The Galloping Greens got things underway and gave their supporters some hope when Triston Reilly scored early in the piece and things went back and forth for much of the first half.

Maurice Longbottom added to the home team’s tally after that from long range but then the Gordon defence started to kick in and the benefits flowed.

In the final two quarters of the match Gordon went from 15-12 down to the final scoreline mostly due to their defence and the team’s ability to adapt on the run to the game situation in front of them.

“The Randwick scrum really held up and got on top of us and their lineout was the best we’d played so far so the team had to find other ways to win,” Coleman said.

“Our defence was outstanding. To hold them to two long-range tries off a turnover and an intercept was very impressive.

“So the way the team adapted and defended with spirit was pleasing.

It doesn’t get any easier next week with a fired up Souths, however each week this group is showing me more that they may have the mental strength and fabric to push into the playoffs.

“I knew they could play footy – now they are showing resilience which is the most powerful tool.”

There has been a toll for the Highlanders though with the loss for the season of their two tight head props – Rhys Brodie with a ruptured Achilles and Bosco Tagaloa with knee ligament damage.

Randwick coach Ben McCormack said Gordon were just too clinical on the day.

“They played pretty low risk and error free footy and forced us into error or penalty and when they get that midfield penalty they are good at making you pay with their maul,” he said.

“We failed to nullify the three influential players we talked about- Mahe Vailanu, Harrison Goddard and Rodney Iona who were all very good.

“Mahe was actually outstanding, strong carries, offloads, some huge hits in defence, scored a try himself and took two crucial breakdown turnovers that resulted in quick tries.

“Nailed his Lineout as well so it’s tough to understand why he couldn’t get a gig in Australia and needs to go overseas.

“But we’ll take our lessons, work hard and move forward to the game against Norths.”

GORDON 42 (Mahe Vailanu, Tom Silk, Harrison Goddard, Ahmu Tuimalealiifano, Ellis Abraham, Mike Pavlakis tries; Rodney Iona 3 conversions, pen goal, field goal) d RANDWICK 15 (Maurice Longbottom, Triston Reilly tries; Dave Horwitz conversion, pen goal)

IMAGE: ANDREW QUINN / GORDON RUGBY