By MARK CASHMAN

Northern Suburbs have gone under the radar for much of the first couple of months of the 2020 Shute Shield but they made a massive statement of intent with their 46-17 win over Randwick on Saturday.

The Galloping Greens, who a fortnight ago were sitting on top of the competition table, couldn’t come up with any answers to the six tries that the Shoremen were able to put on.

The win sees Norths jump to second place on the ladder with four rounds left before the playoffs begin on October 17.

Ironically Randwick got on the scoreboard first when a kick in midfield from Norths was charged down and that led to the elusive Maurice Longbottom cantering over under the posts.

Norths dragged themselves back into the contest with a couple of penalty goals from Angus Sinclair and they then put on the after-burners with tries from Harry Burey, Hugh Sinclair and Brad Hemopo.

The Wicks did apply some pressure in the minutes leading into halftime but the accuracy of Norths offloading and their ruck speed was a joy to watch and they just did not cope.

The score at halftime was 27-10 to Norths and they continued to put on the pressure with tries from Nick Duffy, who is in career best form, and Cam Clark.

Clark had a fine all round game and managed to lay on two other tries to team-mates on top of the one that he scored himself.

Norths coach Earl Va’a liked the way that his side’s defence had come together.

“It was a lot better than the week before against Eastwood,” Va’a said in reference to the 38 points Norths leaked in Round Eight.

“We connected a lot better as a defensive unit and that enabled our attack to score some good tries.

“I particularly liked our catch and pass game under pressure which I am sure will get a good workout against Gordon who will be a huge test for us.”

Randwick coach Ben McCormack was impressed with the 80 minute shift that Norths delivered on Saturday against his side.

“They were impressive,” McCormack said in the wake of the game.

“They used the ball really well, passing and offloads we’re crisp and the speed of ruck ball had us on the back foot for much of the game.

“We just didn’t mount any pressure – I think we failed to get past one phase on our first six structured possessions so we never really asked many questions of their defence.

“You can’t compete at this level giving away possession that easily.”

NORTHERN SUBURBS 46 (Brad Hemopo, Hugh Sinclair, Nick Duffy, Harry Burey, Nathan Russell, Cam Clark tries; Angus Sinclair 5 conversions, 2 pen goals) d RANDWICK 17 (Maurice Longbottom, Brooklyn Hardaker tries; Ben Donaldson 2 conversions, pen goal).

IMAGE: KAREN WATSON