Norths’ Michael Dowsett clears acrobatically in the much needed win over Parramatta
Photo: seiserphotography.com

by NSW Rugby –

Northern Suburbs downed a courageous Parramatta side in the curtain raiser to Saturday’s historic match between the HSBC Waratahs and The British & Irish Lions at Allianz Stadium. Spurred on by one of the largest crowds of the Shute Shield season, the Shoremen ran in five tries to two in a scintillating exhibition of attacking rugby.

Relishing the experience, Northern Suburbs coach Scott Fava said of the opportunity, “I think it gives them a taste of what the next level’s about.  It really brought the spirit and the team together as a solid side.”

Although disappointed by the result, Two Blues’ captain Sosene Anesi was also quick to praise the experience. “I think the boys were pretty excited all week and it was a good experience for most of them, some of them have never really played in such an atmosphere like this.”

Norths got off to the ideal start courtesy of an early penalty to flyhalf Scott Daruda and incisive running from centre Jac Cameron and winger Corey Brown. Midway through the half, a switch play from a 5m scrum sent Norths’ centre Chris Tuatara-Morrison through a gap and in for the first five pointer of the game.

The sides exchanged shots at goal soon after, before Norths’ Hugh Sinclair dived in from close range to extend the red and black lead. Five minutes later, Cameron sprinted 70m upfield on the counter before linking well with Tuatara-Morrison, who put a deft grubber kick through for the flying Brown. The electric winger pounced on the loose ball to record the third try of the game in one of the most memorable plays of the season.

Soon after halftime, Two Blues’ centre Damien Fakafanua beat four defenders in a blistering charge through the midfield, allowing replacement Andrew Cox to dive over from the base of the ensuing ruck. But Norths were quick to counter, with Hugh Sinclair sending Ben Matwijow into space out wide for a five pointer. Minutes later, Brown was in for his second try of the match, brushing off two defenders before dotting down in the left corner. A late consolation try to Two Blues’ replacement Chris Nay left the final score at 32 to 17.

Northern Suburbs 32 (Corey Brown 2, Ben Matwijow, Hugh Sinclair, Chris Tuatara-Morrison tries; Corey Brown 2 cons, Scott Daruda pen) d Parramatta 17 (Andrew Cox, Chris Nay tries; Tukia Muli 2 cons, pen) at Allianz Stadium. Referee Richard Goswell.

Catch me if you can: The Pirates’ Henry Seavula on the run – Photo: seiserphotography.com

West Harbour v Southern Districts
Outdone by the Rebels in the first half after gifting them several scoring opportunities, the Pirates fought back in the second period to score three quick tries and secure a 30-26 victory that lifts them to third overall on the Shute Shield ladder.

West Harbour 30 (Alofa Alofa, Matt Coles, Jack Debreczeni, Henry Seavula, Shaun Treweek tries; Jack Debreczeni con, pen) d Southern Districts 26 (Luke Smart 2 tries; Rohan Saifoloi 2  cons, 4 pens) at Concord Oval. Referee Angus Gardner.

*******

Manly v Sydney University
After several wins in a row, Sydney University ran out at Manly Oval hoping to continue their winning streak against the Marlins and it was the Students who proved their superior strength, coming from behind late in the second half to win 35-23. The Marlins held strong for most of the match, keeping the lead and dominating in the scrum, but the Students hit back, crossing the line four times for a bonus-point win that pushes them up one place to second, whilst Manly slide down to fifth.

Sydney University 35 (Tim Davidson, Sam Jeffries, Byron Hodge, Jim Stewart tries; Daniel Kelly 3 cons, 3 pens) d Manly 23 (Tom Chesters 2, Brian Sefanaia tries; Tom Chesters con, 2 pens) at Manly Oval. Referee Will Houston.

*******

Eastwood v Penrith
Despite showing great determination and strength in defence, particularly in the first half, the pressure from top of the table Eastwood’s attack was just too strong for the Emus.  Although Penrith will take heart from their two tries, the Woodies found the line 11 times in a massive 67-14 win that keeps them on top of the ladder and six points clear of second-placed Sydney University.

Eastwood 67 (Nick Batger 3, Mark Frost 2, Cam Mitchell 2, Michael McDougall, Shanin Proctor, Hugh Roach, Sione Tau tries; Ben Batger 2 cons, Pierre Hola 4 cons) d Penrith 14 (Kerren Straker, Willie Tooala tries; Campbell Hislop con, Paula Katoa con) at T.G. Millner Field. Referee Michael Hogan.

Easts’ skipper Pauli Taumoepeau put in a captain’s knock with a hat-trick of tries against the Rats
Photo: seiserphotography.com

Eastern Suburbs v Warringah
In a close match that saw the lead see-saw throughout the game, a last-minute surge from the Beasties saw them step up and take the win.  Captain Pauliasi Taumoepeau led from the front, scoring three tries in the 35-24 bonus-point win that keeps the Beasties in the top six on the table.

Eastern Suburbs 35 (Elijah Niko, Andrew Shaw, Pauliasi Taumoepeau 3 tries; Henry Hudson 5 cons) d Warringah 24 (Michael Adams, David Harvey, Joshua Holmes tries; David Harvey 3 cons, pen) at Woollahra Oval. Referee Ed Martin.

*******

Gordon v Randwick
Randwick were quick to take control of their match, running in a try just minutes after kick off before going on to find the line a total of seven times in a bonus-point win. The Highlanders struggled against the racey Galloping Greens and weren’t able to score a point in the first half. A fight back in the second half saw the Highlanders cross the line three times, however continued mistakes cost the side any chance of stealing the win.  The final score, 49 to 21 in Randwick’s favour, sees the Greens just one place outside the top six.  Gordon remain second last.

Randwick 49 (Nio Halangahu, Terrence Hepetema, David Horowitz, Mark Koteczky, Rennie Lautolo, Nathan Paila 2 tries; Toby Browne 7 cons) d Gordon 21 (Tobias Gukibau, Mark Johnson, Roni Scarano tries; Terry Preston 3 cons) at Chatswood Oval. Referee Damien Mitchelmore.