Waratahs no.8 Lopeti Timani, featured heavily in Southern Districts win over Northern Suburbs – Photo: seiserphotography.com

by NSW Rugby –

Surprise guest Robbie Deans was treated to a strong display of Shute Shield rugby yesterday as second-placed Southern Districts overcame table-topping Northern Suburbs at North Sydney Oval.

After braving a mighty comeback from Norths, Souths emerged as 22-17 victors, stealing top spot on the Shute Shield ladder and maintaining their unbeaten record.

Elsewhere it was a week of high scoring games, with third-placed Eastwood jumping to second overall with a demonstration of strength to earn a 62-29 win over West Harbour and Sydney Uni taking the win from Penrith by 34 points to 15. Manly scored a bonus point in a 39 – 20 win against Eastern Suburbs and Warringah stole the honours from Randwick, winning by a single point 25 to 24.

Northern Suburbs v Southern Districts

In a tough contest, Southern Districts held tight in defence to keep out a strong Northern Suburbs attack in the last quarter. With the breeze behind them, the Rebels took the lead early in the game with a penalty, and a converted try from Andrew Leota giving them a 10-0 lead on 20 minutes.  They hung on until the 38th minute, when Norths’ fullback Liam Windon ran away for an 80m try against the run of play to narrow the half time gap to five points.

An early mistake from the Shoremen just minutes into the second half allowed the Rebels to extend their lead with big HSBC Waratahs No. 8, Lopeti Timani crossing the line after a break downfield.

Minutes later, a third five-pointer from Luke Smart gave Souths a 22 to 5 lead but the Shoremen hit back quickly, making the most of the conditions.  A well executed backline move resulted in Corey Brown crossing the line and their second half revival continued as Ben Matwijow added another try and Brown converted to bring the score to 22-17.

Playing into the strong wind, a massive defensive effort from Souths held the home side out and earned them their fifth consecutive victory to snatch top spot on the Shute Shield ladder, while Norths’ loss saw them drop to third.

Acknowledging his side’s crucial efforts without the ball, Souths’ flyhalf Rohan Saifoloi said, “Our defence was our most important aspect.

“I think in past games and past rounds we’ve missed a lot of tackles and we’ve been really weak in that one channel.  Today we really worked on that and it came off.”

Said disappointed Norths’ prop Nick Lah, “It was tough.  There was a lot of running rugby and we gave them too much of a start in the first half.

“We put a good effort in the second half but we couldn’t get back to them in the end.”

Southern Districts 22 (Andrew Leota, Luke Smart, Lopeti Timani tries; Rohan Saifoloi 2 cons, pen) d Northern Suburbs 17 (Corey Brown, Ben Matwijow, Liam Windon tries; Corey Brown con) at North Sydney Oval. Referee: Andrew Lees.

Steve Cummins on the charge for Eastwood as they put 65pts on West Harbour to go top of the ladder – Photo: seiserphotography.com

Eastwood v West Harbour

In a show of strength, Eastwood ran away with a nine-try, 62-29 victory after sitting even at half time. The Woodies were just too good for the Pirates, using their possession well and crossing the line quickly and consecutively, with centre Michael McDougall bagging a hat-trick. The Pirates held strong in the first half keeping the Woodies in check but were unable to hold out in defence in the second half.

Eastwood 62 (Michael McDougall 3, Ben Batger, Nick Batger, Mitch Lees, Hugh Perrett, Shannin Proctor, Nick Reily tries; Ben Batger 7 cons, pen) d West Harbour 29 (Alofa Alofa, Tito Mua, Winston Wilson, Macquire Tatola tries; Jack Debreczeni 3 cons, pen) at TG Millner Field.  Referee: Ian Smith.

*******

Warringah v Randwick

In a close contest that saw both sides score three tries, it was left to a 50m Dave Harvey drop goal to take out the match on the bell.  Dominant for most of the match, Randwick were powerless to stop the experienced Harvey from kicking his side to victory and fourth place on the table.

Warringah 25 (Michael Adams 2, Boyd Killingworth tries; Scott Bradley con; David Harvey con, pen, drop goal) d Randwick 24 (Richard Aho 2, Peter Samu tries; Cayden Matehaere 3 cons, pen) at Pittwater Rugby Park. Referee: James Leckie.

 *******

Penrith v Sydney University

For the first time this season, Penrith took the lead early, displaying the skills they have needed all season.  But their lead was short lived, as they failed to capitalise on several opportunities, allowing the Students to cross the line five times for a bonus point win. The win, only the Students’ second of the season, sees them rise three places to occupy sixth place on the ladder.

Sydney University 34 (Greg Jeloudev 2, Alasdair King, James McMahon, Nathan Trist try; Angus Roberts 3 cons, pen) d Penrith 15 (Peter Niumata, Vai Sosaite tries; Fokolulu Taumalolo con, pen) at Nepean Rugby Park.  Referee: Richard Goswell.

*******

Eastern Suburbs v Manly

Manly proved too strong for Easts, bagging a bonus point win and rising two places to sit fourth overall with running rugby and great phase play. Slow to leave the blocks, Easts staged a fighting second half comeback but five tries to Manly was enough to put the game out of Easts’ reach.

Manly 39 (Pat Leafa 2, BJ Hartmann, Richard Hooper, Kotoni Ale tries; Marshall Milroy 4 cons, 2 pens) d Eastern Suburbs 20 (Andrew Shaw, Pauli Taumoepeau, Henry Hudson tries; Henry Hudson con, pen) at Woollahra Oval.  Referee:Nathan Pearce.

*******

Gordon v Parramatta

In a scrappy match, neither team was able to control the flow of the match, with several penalties disrupting any momentum.  Despite taking an early lead, some sloppy play and too many penalties hindered the Highlanders from holding on for a win.  The win for the Two Blues sees them rise one place to fifth, whilst Gordon remain second from bottom.

Parramatta 23 (Damien Fakafanua, Dan Yakopo tries; Dan Rawaqa 2 cons, 2 pens, drop goal) d Gordon 17 (Tom Mathews, Mark Preston tries; Terry Preston 2 cons, pen) at Chatswood Oval.  Referee: Anthony Moyes.