By MARK CASHMAN

A three-try spurt midway through the second half has seen Gordon storm to the top of the Shute Shield competition ladder following their 24-12 win over West Harbour on Saturday.

But just like the game against the Hunter Wildfires the round before there was a toll to pay.

Talented fullback and sometimes winger Jaline Graham broke his jaw and is gone for the rest of the Shute Shield season and that is sure to test the Highlanders depth in their outside backs.

Gordon coach Darren Coleman said the competition front runners had to work their way through a tough afternoon.

“Wests were a very tough opponent on Saturday and will test everyone that they play for the rest of the season,” Coleman said.

“We were never really comfortable against them and their scrum was able to put some pressure on us at different times. They were formidable at scrum time.

“Their breakout and offload game was hard to handle and is sure to test sides for the rest of the year.

“We let ourselves down with execution and had our highest turnover rate for the season.

“Jaline’s injury combined with the injuries from our game against the Wildfires is starting to test our backline depth.”

Wests coach Mark Gudmunson had nothing but praise for the Highlanders.

“Gordon are really well drilled. They are definitely a contender,” He said.

“I think if you spoke with anyone from Gordon, they would have said they had a real challenge against us that will help them in the run home.

“On our side of things Pat Pellegrini continues to improve each week and he is managing our game well from flyhalf and kicking well.

“Our front row was really strong again with Sonny Satuala, Tonga Tangitau and Cam Betham setting a really strong platform for us.”

GORDON 24 (Jack Margin 2, James Lough, Jordan Goddard tries; Rodney Iona 2 conversions) d WEST HARBOUR 12 (Patrick Pellegrini, James Turner tries; Pellegrini 1 conversion)

IMAGE: ANDREW QUINN / GORDON RUGBY