Shute Shield finals 2022: Stars, standouts, results, semi-finalists decided in week 1

The semi-finalists have been decided, the favourites determined and the campaigns of two clubs are over after a thrilling week one of Shute Shield finals. Stars, standouts and result wrap.

The four semi-finalists have been determined in week one of the Shute Shield finals.

They were away from home at one of the most difficulty venues to win at but Gordon defied the odds to fill the final spot available in the Shute Shield finals on Sunday.

Gordon will now take on Randwick in their semi-final with Warringah bowing out of the finals campaign after losing their elimination final on Sunday at Rat Park.

On Saturday the first three matches of the Shute Shield final had club rugby fans entertained - and some biting down their nails.

In one of the most hotly contested games, Sydney Uni earned a week off the recover from their sea-sawing stoush with Randwick.

Northern Suburbs, the minor premiers, will also join them on the sidelines next weekend after their fighting victory over the Manly Marlins.

It was a try-fest in the match between Randwick and Sydney University in week one of the Shute Shield.

The Marlins will now take on Eastwood in the semi-finals next weekend with Randwick meeting a Gordon side fired-up by their great win on Sunday.

We take a look at some of the stars, standouts and the players who turned heads in week one of the finals.

WARRINGAH RATS V GORDON RUGBY ON SUNDAY

The sun came out, Rat Park filled and fans turned out in force for the final match of week one of the finals series in Sydney.

But the hosts - and their loyal northern beaches fans - were left disappointed as Gordon claimed the win in the elimination final against Warringah.

Warringah’s bid for the 2022 Shute Shield is now over while Gordon’s is re-energised by the resounding victory.

Warringah hooker Wes Thomas opened the scoring in the first minutes of an entertaining first half with Gordon captain James Lough equalising soon after.

Reece MacDonald on the burst for Gordon this season. Pic: Karen Watson.

A Reece MacDonald conversion put Gordon ahead and that’s where they stayed for the remainder of the match.

Tristan Fali scored Gordon’s second try Jordan Goddard their third and Mahe Vailanu their fifth right on halftime to give the Stages a 26-15 lead at the break with Sateki Latu also scoring for Warringah in the opening stanza.

William Terry scored Gordon’s fifth try early in the second half (31-15) with Latu going over for his second to put Warringah within 11 (20-31).

But replacement John Akau’ola-Laula ensured the Gorodn win with his try putting Gordon ahead 36-20.

SYDNEY UNI V RANDWICK ON SATURDAY

The rain stayed away and Sydney Uni and Randwick treated their fans to an entertaining try-fest at Sydney Uni.

The Students, Shute Shield premiers in both 2018 and 2019, led early before a feast of tries from both teams.

Randwick, boasting a backline boasting both splash and dash, equalised 5-5 in the qualifying final thanks to James Hendren.

Sydney University won the arm wrestle against Randwick. Pic: Karen Watson.

Hooker Ciaran Loh barged his way over to put Uni back in front with Randwick’s Dylan Dowling equalising before a Ben Donaldson conversion put the Galloping Greens ahead for the first time.

A Dan O’Brien try and another Donaldson conversion saw Randwick up 19-10 before Zac Von Appen scored at halftime and Will Goddard converted to leave the Students trailing by just two - 17-19 at the break.

Backrower Rohan O’Regan rectified this deficit with the first try of the second half with a conversion putting the hosts up 24-19.

Randwick levelled again from their captain with the turning with the carding of Matt Faessler and then a penalty try delivering Sydney Uni the 31-24. lead.

A stunning try from Christian Yassmin kept Randwick fans on the edge of their seats but a failed conversion then delivered Sydney Uni the 31-29 victory, a week off and a spot in the preliminary final.

Action in the match between Sydney University and Randwick.

NORTHERN SUBURBS V MANLY MARLINS ON SATURDAY

Northern Suburbs ran out with a 34-27 victory after being tied at 27-27 with the Manly Marlins late in this thrilling encounter.

Shore man fullback Josh Hendersen scored the first try for the minor premiers in their finals outing against the Manly Marlins at North Sydney Oval.

Hendersen ended the game as a two-try hero with Nathan Russell another standout in the match.

Outside centre Russell also scored his own try and added extra points coming from the accuracy of his boot.

Seb Cameron got Norths out of strife late in the match with a brilliant try just minutes from full-time.

Langi Gleeson and Neori Nadruku went over for Manly with Kemueli Valentini adding points off a conversion and four penalties.

High-flying action from Randwick in the match against Sydney Uni. Pic: Karen Watson

EASTWOOD V EASTERN SUBURBS ON SATURDAY

Eastwood came from behind late in the first half to take this match off Eastern Suburbs 36-23.

But Easts went down fighting, trailing 36-13 with just minutes remaining and scoring two extraordinary tries as the clock ticked down.

Eastwood shared the scoring around with James Wyland, Michael Icely and Fabian Goodall all going over and Tane Edmed adding the rest off his boot.

Dean Oakman-Hunt starred for the Beasties with two tries with Teddy Wilson also scoring and Jack Bowen kicking well.

Eastwood will now take on Manly in next weekend’s semi final with Easts bowing out of the race.

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