Northern Suburbs v Gordon
Northern Suburbs made it four wins in four matches today after coming back from a try down to record a 22-7 victory over Gordon at North Sydney Oval. The victory keeps them atop of the Shute Shield, one point clear of the only other undefeated side, Southern Districts.
“Obviously with Gordon being how they are and being a local derby we knew they would be a tough game, and that was probably our toughest game to date so far this year,” Norths’ captain AJ Gilbert said after the game.
“Local derbies always have that passion. All the boys were gone, out on their feet, cramping up, it was hard to get the win.”
Gordon captain Tobius Guikabau was pleased with his team’s start but admitted they fell away as the game progressed. “The first ten minutes we had the ball and played to our structure. But after that we dropped off and went away from it. Full credit to Norths, they held the ball and played to their structure and we just couldn’t keep up with them.”
After crossing the line early, Gordon dominated possession and used their backline plays to make quick metres downfield, only for poor ball handling at the end of their attacking phases to prevent them from turning their possession into points.
The Shoremen pounced on the opportunities provided by the Highlanders and it was only the latter’s resilient defence that prevented the home side from adding to its three tries.
A late yellow card to Highlanders scrumhalf Terry Preston allowed Norths to cross for their third try and pushed the game out of the Highlanders’ reach.
Northern Suburbs 22 (Lewis Dwyer, Tim Fitzgerald, Sam Myers tries; Corey Brown 2 cons, pen) d Gordon 7 (Will Shirvington try; Terry Preston con) at North Sydney Oval. Referee Richard Goswell.
