Randwick hand Norths second loss in two weeks

After going a full year without losing, the reigning premiers have dropped two matches in two weeks following a 29-22 loss to Randwick. Flyhalf Andrew Deegan scored a late try and 24 points to seal the result for the Galloping Greens, after Norths fought back from a 22-10 deficit to level the scores late in the match. While they probably aren’t panicking at North Sydney Oval just yet, Norths face a testing period in the coming weeks with matches against Eastwood and Manly while coach Simon Cron is in Georgia with the Australian U20s. 

West Harbour stun the Students again

West Harbour have caused their second big upset in three weeks, defeating Sydney Uni 40-38 at Concord. After going to the break locked at 19 all, the Pirates scored three unanswered tries early in the second half to go ahead 40-19. While the Students fought back and scored in the 76^th minute to reduce the deficit to just two, West Harbour’s defence held strong in the final minutes as they recorded another famous win over Uni in front of their home fans. The Pirates are now just six points outside of the top six and play Parramatta next weekend.

Eastwood too good for disappointing Rebels

Eastwood returned to the winner’s circle for the first time since round four, beating a disappointing Southern Districts side 27-12. The Woodies shot out to a 17-0 lead early and remained in control for the rest of the match. While Souths had a number of opportunities to fight back, they were unable to capitalise in several key moments and suffered their fourth loss of the season. The win was Eastwood’s first at TG Millner this year and sets them up nicely for clashes against Norths and Sydney Uni in the coming fortnight.

Manly make it eight straight

Manly continued their unbeaten start to the year with a dominant 50-24 win over Gordon at Chatswood Oval. The Marlins forwards were brilliant, particularly at scrum time and claimed two pushover tries, while the backs showed plenty of class and were tough to stop, playing with front foot ball. Gordon showed plenty of fight through the middle third of the match and picked up a four-try bonus point, but it wasn’t nearly enough.

Warringah find best to claim bonus point win over Two Blues

After falling asleep at half time in their last two appearances, Warringah produced a more consistent effort at Rat Park to claim a 47-7 bonus point win over Parramatta. The Rats scored seven tries, including two to Josh Holmes, with Parramatta forced to play most of the second half with fourteen men after fullback Johnathon Malo received a red card for a dangerous tackle.

Easts claim back to back wins

Easts picked up their second win in as many weeks with a bonus point win over Penrith. Jack Grant, Tom Pincus and Archie King all claimed doubles against the Emus as the Beasties edged closer to the top six.

Shute Shield Round 8 Results:

Northern Suburbs 22 (Tries: Luxton 2, Vest; Cons: Sinclair 2; Pen Cons: Sinclair; Yellow Card: Vest) defeated by Randwick 29(Tries: Armstrong, Deegan; Cons: Deegan 2; Pen Cons: Deegan 5; Yellow Card: Croke)

West Harbour 40 (Tries: Drury-Hawkins, Sailosi, Cotton, Meafua; Cons: Adams 4; Pen Cons: Adams 4) defeated Sydney University 38 (Tries: Hood 2, Kagiassis 2, Carter, Penalty Try; Cons: Kagiassis 3) 

Eastwood 27 (Tries: Windon, Gonzalez, Lagudi, Penalty Try; Cons: Hill; Pen Con: Hill; Yellow Cards: Campbell, Lagudi) defeated Southern Districts 12 (Tries: Smart 2; Cons: Saifoloi)

Gordon 24 (Tries: Balekana, Mete, Scarano, Seton; Cons: Kennedy 2; Pen Cons:; Yellow Cards: Scarano) defeated by Manly 50(Tries: Alley 2, Daniel, Bailey, M. Fuavao, Ale, Woodhouse; Cons: Lucas 4, Lane)

Warringah 47 (Tries: Adams, J. Holmes 2, L. Holmes, Ward, Jones, Needs; Cons: Gillard 3, Attwater 3) defeated Parramatta 7 (Tries: Viiga; Cons: Graham; Red Card: Malo)

Penrith 14 (Tries: M. Faoagali, Sosaiete; Cons: J. Faoagali, Faiva; Yellow Card: Sosaiete) defeated by Eastern Suburbs 59 (Tries: Grant 2, T. Pincus 2, J. Pincus, Dwyer, King 2, Fogarty; Cons: T. Pincus 7; Yellow Cards: Phillips)