By MARK CASHMAN

Randwick have been quietly working feverishly away from the spotlight but it will be hard to ignore their premiership credential after their 34-5 win over Southern Districts on Saturday.

The Galloping Greens have been on top of the competition table for a number of weeks now but there was always that feeling that the draw had treated them kindly as they pulled together a wide range of talent.

But that will no longer be the case and their credential to contend after being a mid table side for the past couple of years, are more than legitimate.

From my count there were five members of their backline with professional rugby backgrounds and they seem to be playing well to a plan that makes the most of their undoubted talent.

They were helped on the weekend by the fact that Souths were hit by a number of game ending injuries with Phil Potgieter, Sam Harris and James Finch all being blue carded early in the game.

Isoa Nasilasila also had to quit the game with an ankle strain while the talented Liam Moseley had to come off after copping what looks to be a serious knock to his hand.

Randwick coach Ben McCormack scoffed at a suggestion from Gordon coach Darren Coleman that his side were the premiership favourites.

“DC is just deflecting from his well assembled team of stars. We’re just a team of battlers doing our best mate,” McCormack said.

“We were good yesterday, I didn’t think anyone played poorly, we were able to take Souths out of their comfort zone by quality field and game management from my 9, 10 and 12.

“Dave Horwitz and Kristian Jensen kicked astutely and consistently turned them around, they were very well supported by Tyzac Jordan at No.9 who was driving great energy and tempo.

“It was really disappointing to see a number of injuries on the day though, we lost Tiaan Tauakipulu in the first 10 minutes to what looks to be a season ending knee injury.

“I feel horrible for the kid, we lost another couple in the second half.

Souths coach Todd Louden gave credit where it was due on the day.

“Randwick started fast – we lost four players to concussion as well as two injuries – the perfect storm losing our scrum half after only eight minutes,” Luden said.

“None the less Randwick performed well and we couldn’t pull them in with the numerous changes and a hangover from last week.

“We didn’t manage the windy conditions at all either and their No.10 Dave Horwitz kicked very well.”

Will Latu and Nathan Lawson defended well in the midfield but losing as many forwards as Souths did didn’t help.

RANDWICK 34 (Kristian Jensen 2, Simon Kennewell, Triston Reilly, Maurice Longbottom tries; Dave Horwitz 3 conversions, pen goal) d SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 5 (Joe Cotton try).

IMAGE: RANDWICK RUGBY SUPPLIED