NSW Rugby Media Release

Saturday 15 August, 2015

Manly didn’t fail to deliver on their promise to flood Concord Oval with supporters, with a deafening crowd of fans hoping the Marlins would break an 18 year premiership drought, but in a grinding affair decided by a last minute field goal, it was Eastwood who prevailed 15-12, in a match that failed to yield a single try.

THE MATCH

An early penalty to the Marlins kicked by their captain Matt Lucas gave the extremely vocal supporting crowd something to cheer for, but Eastwood looked intent on spoiling the party with some strong attacking play from the resumption of play.

Lucas followed up with a remarkable field goal, capitalising on a weakness in the Eastwood line to take their lead to 6-0. Buoyed by the positive start, Manly relentlessly attacked, maintaining the majority of the possession in the first half of the game but with little reward.

Eastwood fought back in the last ten minutes of the half with several attempts to cross the line, but were repelled back by desperate Manly defence. Ben Batger narrowly kicked a penalty in the dying minutes of the half to take the score to 6-3, but the accurate boot of Matt Lucas extended Manly’s lead back out to six points with a penalty goal on the siren.

Ben Batger wasted no time adding to the scoreboard upon the resumption of play in the second half, with a penalty goal in the opening minutes edging them slightly closer to the Marlins who were still ahead 9-6.

Batger was again given the opportunity to score with a penalty awarded after some attacking play in the midfield from Eastwood’s Tom Hill, and despite strong wind he was able to level the scores at 9-9.

Eastwood’s momentum was on the ascendency, but an opportunity on the wing from Jai Ayoub was stopped dead by an extraordinary tackle from Matt Lucas. The dogged defence from Manly continued, and another likely try attempt from Eastwood failed to reach its mark.

End to end play with little reward for both sides, as desperate defence prevented any scoring. Matt Lucas slotted a penalty goal just after the 20 minutes mark of the second half, edging Manly slightly ahead 12-9.

Eastwood hooker Hugh Roach burst through the defensive line to gain valuable territory, ably supported by halfback Matt Gonzalez, but keeping in tempo with the match it was a penalty goal resulting from the play that added the points to the scoreboard – Eastwood again drawing level with Manly 12-all.

An Eastwood lineout within scoring distance was the impetus for a sustained period of possession for the side, but despite several good opportunities and a five metre scrum feed they were unable to cross the line.  A poor clearing kick from Manly gave them a second chance but the tenacity of Matt Lucas ensured that the scoreline would remain unchanged from that play.

The match looked to be be decided by a penalty kick for Eastwood from directly in front of goal with just minutes left to play, and uncharacteristically, Ben Batger missed the easy goal and the chance to seal the premiership. Redemption was found in teammate Jai Ayoub who neatly slotted a field goal from near halfway to take Eastwood to a 15-12 win, and their second consecutive premiership win after Sam Lane's last ditch field goal reply went awry.

EASTWOOD 15 (B Batger 4 penalty goals, J Ayoub 1 field goal) beat MANLY 12 (M Lucas 3 penalty goals, 1 field goal)


SECOND GRADE: RANDWICK v SYDNEY UNIVERSITY

Randwick and Sydney University put on an exciting display in the fierce contest for the Colin Caird Shield, Uni took an early lead but Randwick mounted a remarkable comeback to snatch the lead midway through the second half. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the class of Sydney University, who prevailed to take out the 2015 second grade premiership 35-34.

The two teams traded penalty goals to open the scoring, but Sydney University took an early lead with a try to centre Christopher Ingate, converted by Byron Hodge.

Uni followed up via fullback Matthew Narracott, who set up Matthew Philip for a try in the corner in the latter stages of the first half, ably converted by his fellow second rower Byron Hodge to take the score to 17-3.

Randwick scored their first try of the match from the resulting re-start, with Lewie Catt streaking past defence to score under the posts, converted by Latu Latinipulu to reduce the deficit to just seven points at the break.

A try from Randwick’s Kodie Hawkins shortly after the resumption of play took the score to 17-15, still in favour of the Students, who were quick to hit back just minutes later.

End to end rugby continued, with Randwick tenaciously holding on to even the scores at 22-all, with just over 20 minutes left to play in the match. They followed up with a thrilling try to Latu Latinipulu, converted by Andrew Deegan to steal the lead 29-22.

University’s Byron Hodge contributed again with two penalty goals in quick succession to take his side to within a point, but a try to Latu Latinipulu shortly after took Randwick’s lead to six points.

Sydney University were fiercely determined, and after an extended period of possession, Christopher Ingate found a gap in Randwick’s defence and burst through to cross under the posts. A conversion from Byron Hodge saw Uni reclaim the lead with five minutes left to play, and secure the premiership for the Students.

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 35 (M Philip, C Ingate 2, J Swan tries; B Hodge 3 goals, 3 penalty goals) beat RANDWICK 34 (T Goodbody, K Hawkins, L Latinipulu, C Taripo, L Catt tries; C Taripo 1 goal, 1 penalty goal, A Deegan 1 goal)
 
THIRD GRADE: EASTWOOD v EASTERN SUBURBS

With a commanding 14-0 lead over Eastern Suburbs at half-time, Eastwood looked to be virtually unbeatable in the third grade Grand Final playing for the JR Henderson Shield. The try-scoring spoils were shared across the team, with lock Jack Warfield, winger Ben Coady, and centre Sione Fangia all crossing the line. Jack Tourish was faultless in his kicking duties, booting all three conversions and a penalty to high score for his team.

Meanwhile, Eastern Suburbs mounted a comeback in the second half, to take their score to a credible 12 points, courtesy of tries to winger Dan Watson-Wood and halfback Andrew Ferris, and a conversion to fullback Dan Gallagher.

EASTWOOD 24 (J Warfield, B Coady, S Fangia tries; J Tourish 3 goals, 1 penalty goal) beat EASTERN SUBURBS 12 (D Watson-Wood, A Ferris tries; D Gallagher 1 goal)


FOURTH GRADE: MANLY v EASTERN SUBURBS 

It was a successful start to the day for the Marlins, who took out the fourth grade premiership JR Henderson Cup with a ten point win over Eastern Suburbs.

A two try effort in the first half from Manly courtesy of lock James Watson and winger Scott Clemmett saw Easts down 15-7 at the break, with their lone try scored by number 8 Alex Edmonds and converted by fullback Will Maddocks.

A spectacular try to winger Scott Clemmett in the late stages of the match made Manly’s win an almost-certainty. His two-try effort for the match also included his milestone 100^th try for the club when he crossed the line in the first half.

MANLY 20 (S Clemmett 2, J Watson tries; C Duffus 1 goal, 1 penalty goal) beat EASTERN SUBURBS 10 (A Edmonds try; W Maddocks 1 goal, 1 penalty goal)
 

NSW Rugby Media Release

Wednesday 12 August , 2015

The 2015 Intrust Super Shute Shield has reached the deciding round, with Manly taking on Eastwood at Concord Oval this Saturday, broadcast live on Channel 7 from 3pm.
 
Manly has had an outstanding season in 2015, which included a blowout win over Eastwood to clinch the minor premiership, while Eastwood spent most of the season just a step behind the Marlins.
 
But history is against the Marlins this week, who have not won the Shield since 1997. Meanwhile Eastwood have had success in 2011 and 2014, with a loss to Sydney University in their 2013 appearance.
 
A cameo from Wallaby Wycliff Palu helped the Marlins dominate Sydney University last weekend, with a 42-22 victory securing a finals berth for Manly and giving them a chance to win their first Shute Shield title since 1997.
 
Manly’s head coach Damien Cummins has identified key areas for their match-up, but said he won’t be using past experiences to guide his strategy.
 
“I think the key areas are the set piece and the battle at the breakdown,” Cummins said.
 
“Saturday is the Grand Final with the previous two rounds having no bearing on the outcome - both teams were well below par when they lost.”
 
Eastwood are heading to their fourth finals appearance in the last five seasons after a comeback victory over Souths last weekend saw them score 32 unanswered points on their way to victory. It was a re-match of last year’s Shute Shield Grand Final, and again Eastwood prevailed in a high pressure situation.
 
Head coach John Manenti said he was pleased at the courageous comeback from his side in the Semi-Final, and will be heading into the Grand Final with a relaxed attitude.
 
“It was nice to dig in and show some character. It was also about getting a few things right, which we battle with through the first quarter,” Manenti said.
 
“Emotionally [this week] I’ll just let the players set the mood, some guys like a hype-up others a laugh to relax – whatever gets the job done. You work hard to be alive in the last week of the season, motivation is not an issue.”
 
 
Grand Final – Saturday 15 August
Eastwood v Manly
Concord Oval – 3.00pm (Live on Channel 7)
Referee: Will Houston
ARs: James Leckie, Ian Smith


MATCH DAY INFORMATION SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 

Concord Oval, Loftus St Concord

Gates Open: 8am

JR Henderson Cup Grand Final: 9:05am
Manly v Eastern Suburbs

JR Henderson Shield Grand Final: 10:50am
Eastwood v Eastern Suburbs

Colin Caird Shield Grand Final: 12:50pm
Randwick v Sydney University

Intrust Super Shute Shield Grand Final: 3:00pm
Manly v Eastwood

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-SALE HERE

*Concession: Full time students and Pensioners (aged, TPI, War Service Widows)

Colts Grand Final Day Sunday 16 August

Forshaw Rugby Park, Belgrave Esplanade, Sylvania Waters

Bill Simpson Shield: 11:15am
Randwick v Sydney University

Shell Trophy: 1:00pm
Sydney University v Randwick

W McMahon Memorial Shield: 3:00pm
Randwick v Sydney University

Tickets at the gate

NSW Rugby Media Release

Monday 10 August, 2015

After an outstanding season for Randwick, fly-half David Horwitz has been awarded the 2015 Catchpole Medal for Player of the Year at the awards ceremony held in Sydney tonight.

Horwitz earned 22 votes in his 15 games over the course of the season, narrowly beating Warringah’s Hamish Angus (21 votes in 18 games) and Northern Suburbs’ Will Miller (21 votes in 18 games). A prodigious goal-kicker, Horwitz scored 29 goals and five tries in his 86 point haul for 2015.

The Catchpole Medal, named in honour of Randwick, Waratah and Wallaby star Ken Catchpole was presented by Brendan O’Farrell, CEO of Intrust Super; major sponsor of the Intrust Super Shute Shield at the awards evening held at The Rugby Club in Sydney’s CBD.
The Dave Brockhoff Medal for Coach of the Year, as voted by Intrust Super Shute Shield coaches, was awarded to Simon Cron from Northern Suburbs, whose team finished eighth on the ladder after a very positive season overall.

West Harbour second-rower Kelly Meafua was named the Intrust Super Shute Shield Rookie of the Year, as voted for by NSW Waratahs High Performance Unit coaches. He finished the regular season with the outstanding record of 139 ball carries and 151 tackles made.

Meanwhile the Dick Byres Medal for Referee of the Year, as voted by Intrust Super Shute Shield coaches, was awarded to Ian Smith.

Catchpole Medal for Player of the Year Finallists:

• David Horwitz      Randwick - 22 votes
• Hamish Angus     Warringah - 21 votes
• Will Miller            Northern Suburbs - 21 votes
• David Hickey        Sydney Uni - 18 votes
• Terry Preston       Gordon - 18 votes
• Ben Volavola        Southern Districts - 18 votes
• Ben Batger           Eastwood - 15 votes
• Matt Lucas           Manly - 15 votes
• Jai Ayoub              Eastwood - 14 votes
• Jed Hollaway        Southern Districts - 12 votes 

• Damien Cummins               Manly
• John Manenti                      Eastwood
• Matt Barr                            Southern Districts
• Simon Cron                        Northern Suburbs

• Andrew Lees
• Ian Smith
• James Leckie
• Tim Wills

• Josh Kay                              Northern Suburbs
• Kelly Meafua                        West Harbour
• Reece Hodge                       Manly
• Will Munro                            Randwick

NSW Rugby Media Release

Sunday 9 August, 2015

Eastwood will face off against Manly in the Grand Final of the Intrust Super Shute Shield after an extraordinary comeback saw them beat Southern Districts 32-28 at TG Millner Field.

The last time the two teams met it was a thrilling last minute win to Eastwood, and from the outset it appeared Southern Districts were out to avenge the loss with three early tries in the first half, but a resurgent Eastwood scored 32 unanswered points to win the match despite a try in the dying throes of the match to Southern Districts Captain Jed Holloway.

THE MATCH
Paul Asquith wasted no time registering points on the scoreboard for the visiting Southern Districts side, with a loping try in just the third minute of the game, easily converted by Jordan McGregor and taking their lead to 7-0.

Exciting halfback Dewet Roos followed up seconds later with a try attempt that went long, but Souths had firmly established dominance in the early stages of the match until the ten minute mark passed and Eastwood were able to gain some territory with a kick from the classy Jai Ayoub.

But it would be to no avail, with Southern Districts Captain and Catchpole Medal nominee Jed Holloway setting up McGregor for a try in the 11^th minute, who then easily converted his own efforts.

The home side looked to score in the 16^th minute, but scrambling Southern Districts’ defence prevented Brad Curtis from any joy. It was heartbreak again five minutes later, when Jed Holloway grounded a ball over the line just moments ahead of Hugh Perrett to deny the home side yet again.

Some defensive heroics from Dewet Roos set up a spectacular try from the Australian Sevens pairing of Alex Gibbon and Afa Pakalani, with McGregor not putting a foot wrong with his third goal from three attempts so far in the match.

Eastwood finally found the line in the 30^th minute of the match, when Joey Afualo crossed amidst a flurry of Rebel hands. Ben Batger converted to take the score to 21-7 with nine minutes left to play in the first half.

A gritty period of attack from Eastwood yielded no joy on the scoreboard, with a try attempt held up. But minutes later Tom Hill scored a barnstorming try, converted by Ben Batger, narrow the deficit to seven points heading into the half-time break.

Southern Districts started the second half with gusto, but a high tackle from Andrew Leota saw him yellow carded, and Ben Batger took the opportunity to take Eastwood to 17 points with an accurate penalty kick.

Eastwood Captain and Catchpole Medal nominee Hugh Perrett showed his class with a runaway try shortly after to wrest the lead from the visitors, and the conversion from Ben Batger took the score to 24-21.

Eastwood looked to follow that try up with another after exposing gaps in the Southern Districts’ defence, but a penalty kick was the end result and Eastwood’s lead stretched to six points with Batger slotting another to add to Eastwood’s tally of 27 unanswered points.

A bustling rolling maul saw Eastwood cross in the 61^st minute, with Southern Districts seemingly unable to halt the growing momentum of the home side, who had starved them of possession in the second half.

The woes compounded for Souths, who were working hard at the wrong end of the field, unable to break through the comprehensive Eastwood attack until a thrilling last ditch try from Jed Holloway in the 83^rd minute of the match narrowed their losing deficit to four points, with the final score 32-28 to Eastwood.

Fittingly, the two teams who have spent the season vying for the top of the ladder position will face each other in the Intrust Super Shute Shield Grand Final next week, to be played onSaturday August 15 at Concord Oval and broadcast live on Channel 7 from 3pm.

EASTWOOD 32 (J Afualo, T Hill, H Perrett, McCaffrey  tries; B Batger 3 goals, 2 penalty goals) beat SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 28 (P Asquith, J McGregor, A Pakalani, J Holloway tries; J McGregor 4 goals)
 

NSW Rugby Media Release

Saturday 8 August, 2015

The Manly Marlins are the first team into the 2015 Intrust Super Shute Shield Grand Final with a 42-22 win over Sydney University at Manly Oval in front of a three thousand strong crowd in windy conditions.

With a wealth of experience in the Sydney University line-up, Manly were, on paper at least, the underdogs ahead of the first Semi-Final of the 2015 Intrust Super Shute Shield. But after a last minute release, Wycliff Palu – with 126 NSW Caps and 54 Wallaby Caps to his name – was named to start on the bench for the Marlins, bolstering a side that had already enjoyed an extremely successful season.
 
THE MATCH
Catchpole Medal nominee Dave Hickey was the first to score a try, crossing under the posts in the fifth minute of the match after some determined possession from the Students in the lead-up. A conversion from the reliable Angus Roberts saw Sydney Uni take a 7-0 lead in the early stages of the match.

Predictably, Matt Lucas and Sam Lane combined to create some opportunities for Manly, but dogged defence from the Sydney Uni backs prevented a breakthrough.

Angus Roberts showed some deft playmaking to find the gap and cross the line, converting his own try to take the Students to a 14-0 lead in the 16^th minute of the match, Manly paying dearly for a lapse in defensive focus.

It wasn’t until the 21^st minute that a tackle from Matt Lucas started a chain of events that would see Cadeyrn Neville cross in the corner for the Marlins’ first try, arresting the momentum that Sydney University had created. Sam Lane was unable to convert, so the score moved to 14-4 to Uni, a nine point lead.

Sydney University’s Jim Stewart was yellow-carded after tackling Reece Hodge in the air shortly after, giving Manly a solid opportunity to capitalise.

A further penalty against Sydney University saw Matt Lucas take over kicking duties, and successfully narrow Manly’s deficit to just six points.

The home side wasted no time to add to their score, with a line-out five metres out yielding a try to the prolific Alex Northam, and converted by Lucas to take the Marlins to a 15-14 lead in the 29^th minute.

Manly’s Harry Bergelin was yellow-carded to even up the numbers on the field in the 30^thminute, and Angus Roberts reclaimed the lead for the Students in the 34^th minute after slotting a penalty goal. With Stewart back on the field, the Students were pushing hard but a penalty against Tom Coolican saw Matt Lucas steal the lead back with an accurate kick for goal.

With just a minute left to play in the half, Sydney University’s Dave Dennis’ magnificent run towards the try line was stopped short after a knock on was called, and the teams went into the break with Manly ahead by just one point over the Students, 18-17.

A sensational try from Matthew Naracott in the first 40 seconds of the second half from a high ball in the midfield was left unconverted, but Manly were quick to mount an attack in response shortly after.

The dynamic Dave Hickey looked to be on track for his second try of the match, but Manly’s Richard Hooper’s defensive efforts forced the turnover just short of the try line.

It was another spectacular try-scoring effort, this time from Reece Hodge who flew over the try line after assistance from Wycliff Palu. Another conversion attempt gone awry, Manly regained their one point lead, 23-22, over the Students with 25 minutes left to play.

Alex Northam crossed for his second try of the day in the 58^th minute after being set up with a quality kick from Matt Lucas, who was later unable to convert taking the score to 28-22.

Manly further solidified their lead with a try to BJ Hartmann after sustained pressure from their forwards, Lucas was finally able to convert and the score moved to 35-22. Unbelievably, Wycliff Palu followed up with an almost length of the field run to score an extraordinary try in his return to club rugby.

With Sydney University needing to overcome a 20 point deficit in just over ten minutes, Manly seemed to have an unassailable lead. Despite this, the Marlins continued to attack but the valiant Students prevented any further scoring, and the teams left the field with the scores at 42-22 to the home side.

MANLY 42 (C Neville, A Northam 2, R Hodge, B Hartmann, W Palu tries; Lucas 3 goals, 2 penalty goals) beat SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 22 (D Hickey, A Roberts, M Naracott tries; A Roberts 2 goals, 1 penalty goal)
 
 

NSW Rugby Media Release

Wednesday 5 August, 2015

The Intrust Super Shute Shield competition is down to the final four with Manly, Eastwood, Souths and Sydney Uni playing for a spot in the Grand Final.
 
A match-up between Manly and Sydney Uni takes place on Saturday 7 August and will be shown live on channel 7TWO from 2.40pm.
 
A cameo from Waratah Kurtley Beale couldn’t stop Manly from ending Randwick’s season, with strong performances from fullback Brendan Hartman and returning captain Matt Lucas helped the Marlins continue their success in 2015.
 
Manly Head Coach Damien Cummins knows his team is facing a tough opponent who has talent and experience in all positions.  
 
“It's going to be a very tough game as they have a lot of skill across the park,” Cummins said.
 
“A Waratah stacked front five, plus experience with Tom Carter paired in the centres with Jim Stewart and Tom Kingston at the back – we will have to put in an 80 minute performance.”
 
Sydney University suffered a close loss last week after blowing a 17-point second half lead against Southern Districts. The Students were the most in-form team heading into the finals, but the loss last week could derail their season.
 
The Woods beat Warringah for the second straight week at their home ground and this weekend they face Southern Districts, which could be the game of the round. Their two encounters from earlier this season were decided by a combined two points with the home team coming away with the win each time.
 
When the second half of their game against Uni began, it was obvious that Souths were in trouble. They were down 20-3 early in the second period but managed to claw their way back with a flurry of tries. A penalty at the final siren gave them an unexpected win over the Students, and a place in the Semi-Finals.
 
Head coach Matt Barr says it was his team’s defence that got them back into the game but is under no illusion they will face a similarly difficult opponent this week.
 
“On the back of our great defence and a few opportunities we created in attack, I was confident we could turn things around in the second half,” he said.
 
“We have enormous respect for Eastwood and developed a great rivalry over the past few seasons – we’re up against the Premiers at home and preparing and expecting for another great clash.”
 
Sunday’s match between Southern Districts and Eastwood at TG Millner Field will be broadcast live on 7TWO from 2:40pm.
 
FOR FULL TEAM LISTS CLICK HERE

Referee appointments:
INTRUST SUPER SHUTE SHIELD COMPETITION
 
Manly v Sydney University
Manly Oval – Saturday 2.40pm
Referee: Andrew Lees
ARS: Angus Gardner, Edward Martin
 
Eastwood v Southern Districts
T.G. Millner field – Sunday 2.40pm
Referee: William Houston
ARS: Michael Hogan, Ian Smith
 

NSW Rugby Media Release

Monday 3 August, 2015

GRADE SATURDAY Manly Oval

NSW Rugby Media Release

Sunday 2 August, 2015

Southern Districts have once again proved their credentials in high pressure situations, registering a thrilling 28-26 victory over Sydney University at Forshaw Rugby Park in the final match of the first week of finals in the Intrust Super Shute Shield.

Three rapid tries midway through the second half were the catalyst for a remarkable comeback from the Rebels, who are becoming known for their tenacity and persistence when overcoming significant deficits.

THE MATCH

The Students and the Rebels traded penalties to register the first points of the match, which was a high-intensity battle from the outset, with Southern Districts determined to defy the odds against a side brimming with elite talent.

Sydney University had the early momentum, but Southern Districts’ defensive efforts were outstanding in the opening stages of the match.
Southern Districts breakaway Jono Hayes was yellow carded in the 19^th minute, giving Sydney University the opportunity to score after several missed opportunities in the previous minutes.

The accurate boot of Angus Roberts extended their lead to three points, and there was a definite shift in the momentum of the match as Sydney Uni doubled their efforts to cross the line.

Dogged defence from Southern Districts prevented two attempts by the Students, both from Waratahs captain Dave Dennis, but teammate Pat McCutcheon showed his class and was able to break the drought with a try in the 23^rd minute. The conversion took their lead to ten points, 13-3.

The electrifying Souths combination of Australian Sevens player Afa Pakalani and Dewet Roos proved to be invaluable in providing attacking options across the field, but the experience of Sydney University’s Super Rugby heavy side prevented reward from their efforts.

Sydney Uni stalwart Tom Carter combined with exciting young centre Jim Stewart for the side’s second try of the match with six minutes left on the clock in the first half. Angus Roberts took the lead to 17 points with a conversion from directly in front.

A penalty attempt for Souths could have eased the pain of the deficit just as the half-time siren sounded, but a narrow miss from McGregor saw the 20-3 scoreline stand.

The second half was marked by aggressive, physical football from both sides – but Southern Districts were frustrated at every turn by the depth of the Students, who were able to bring Waratah Paddy Ryan on from the bench early in the second half. Roberts was again accurate in his kicking, with another penalty goal in the 50^th minute to take the score to 23-3.

A superb series of passes assisted Jordan McGregor to set up Alex Gibbon for the Rebels’ breakthrough try in the 52^nd minute – and McGregor was able to convert and narrow the deficit to 13 points with just over 25 minutes to play.

Buoyed by the try, the Rebels followed it with a second try in as many minutes – with an incredible pass to Afa Pakalani setting up Alex Gibbon to cross for his second of the match. Jordan McGregor kicked a tricky conversion, and with just six points separating the sides the match was poised to be decided with a thrilling finish.

A bungled defensive effort from Sydney Uni saw Feluela Finau sneak in for the third consecutive try for the home side, but left unconverted the Students retained a one point lead despite the overwhelming effort from Souths.

A penalty goal to Southern Districts in the 65^th minute saw them regain the lead they hadn’t held since the opening minutes of the match, taking the score to 25-23.

The frenetic pace of the ensuing minutes yielded no reward for either side until Angus Roberts stole the lead back for the Students in the 79^th minute with a penalty goal from directly in front. Souths were keen to regain possession but a subsequent penalty again to the Students quashed their efforts to strike again.

A scrum on the final siren gave the home side a glimmer of hope; and was rewarded with a penalty goal attempt for Jordan McGregor – who continued the heartstopping journey for his side by slotting the goal from a considerable distance to steal the match from Sydney University in dramatic fashion.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 28 (A Gibbon 2, F Finau tries; J McGregor 3 penalty goals, 2 goals) beat SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 26 (P McCutcheon, J Stewart tries; A Roberts 4 penalty goals, 2 goals)
 
2015 INTRUST SUPER SHUTE SHIELD – FINALS WEEK 2
Manly v Sydney University, 3pm Manly Oval – Saturday 8 August (BROADCAST LIVE ON 7TWO)
Eastwood v Southern Districts, 3pm TG Millner Field - Sunday 9 August (BROADCAST LIVE ON 7TWO)

NSW Rugby Media Release

Saturday 1 August, 2015

Eastwood will host a home Intrust Super Shute Shield Semi-Final next weekend after seeing off a gallant Warringah, 23-10, at TG Millner Field this afternoon.
 
Buoyed by a vocal home crowd, the reigning Premiers were made to work hard for their victory by a Rats side that had pushed them to the wire seven days ago in the final round of the regular season.
 
Behind 10-3 at the break, the visitors rallied with the sort of breakaway try for Josh Holmes for which they have become noted in recent seasons. But a determined Ben Batger restored Eastwood’s lead four minutes later before knocking over a penalty on the hour that seemed to break the Rats’ resistance.
 
Centre Tom Hill slotted a final three-pointer after the bell, to send the Premiers into their sixth semi-final in the last seven years.
 
Things had started ominously for the visitors, home prop Jed Gillespie almost over but for a last ditch effort from Michael Adams. However, referee Ed Martin called play back for an earlier infringement and Ben Batger did the honours.
 
A swirling breeze arrived with the restart, making kicking judgment in both execution and receipt, a touch more unpredictable. But it didn’t perturb Warringah’s intent and, clearly unfazed by the occasion given their efforts last week, set about applying pressure to their hosts’ 22.
 
Successive phases stretched the Eastwood line in the 10th minute and drew a penalty for Eastwood not rolling away, Hamish Angus levelling matters. And as the first quarter progressed, there were definite causes for concern amongst the TG Millner faithful, the Rats competing well at the breakdown, producing plenty of big hits and limiting the Woodies to the odd line break.
 
But the turning point was the scrum. Finding themselves 10 metres out in the 22nd minute, the Woods wheeled the Rats on three occasions before the ball finally came out at the fourth time of asking. When it did, Ben Batger’s switch of play and neat hands from Jai Ayoub almost opened the door for Tom Hill, only for the towering centre to be held up over the line.
 
That opened the door for the Woods to go for the jugular from the next engagement and it worked, Rats’ tighthead Wayne Borsack sent to the bin. But things only got worse for the visitors, Ed Martin running under the posts to signal a penalty try after Borsack’s replacement was unable to turn the tide.
 
The remaining 10 minutes saw the Rats in a bit of shellshock as the realisation that their chances of achieving any kind of set-piece platform for the rest of the game were unlikely. A Hamish Angus penalty on the stroke of half-time would have sent them to the sheds in much finer fettle but the usually reliable flyhalf pulled his attempt wide leaving the Rats still a converted try behind.
 
Knowing they would be under the pump without possession, it was increasingly likely that it would take a moment of Warringah magic to get them back in the hunt, and so it was in the 46^th minute.
 
Countering from their own half, a great carry by Tyson Davis and two passes inside – one suspiciously forward if you’re a neutral, most definitely forward if you are of a Woods persuasion – and Josh Holmes had too much pace for the last man. Angus’ accuracy returned and we were all-square.
 
If the Rats had held Eastwood out for the next 10 minutes, it would have been interesting to see how the potential momentum shift would have affected both sides. But the try stirred the Woodies back into action and only four minutes later, they were back with their noses in front.
 
Having been forced up one too many blind alleys thus far, flyhalf Jai Ayoub found a hole at a pivotal moment, stepped and put on the gas before releasing Nick Batger. The Rats scrambled well to wrap him up but when the ball was recycled by the arriving support, it was brother Ben who had the finishing instincts and leg drive to power him over, despite the attentions of several green and white shirts.
 
With another semi-final beckoning, Eastwood’s experience started to tell. Ayoub began to find grass in behind, Ben Batger called the right shots from the back while skipper Hugh Perrett was – as usual - the calmest man on the field.
 
A Batger penalty on the hour effectively sealed the deal. The Rats were battling hard but struggling to create another genuine opening or much in the way of possession or territory. The difference between seven years finals’ experience compared to Warringah’s recent ascension to the contenders ranks in the last two years, was showing.
 
With Batger having departed, Tom Hill took up kicking duties with aplomb, crossing the black dot after the bell to confirm Warringah’s exit from the competition and set-up a home semi-final next week against Southern Districts or Sydney University.
 
Eastwood 23 (Penalty try, Ben Batger tries; Ben Batger 2 cons, 2 pens, Tom Hill pen)Warringah 10 (Josh Holmes try; Hamish Angus con, pen)
 
Manly 33 (Alex Northam 2, Dennis Pili-Gaitau, Sireli Tagicakibau tries; Sam Lane 2 cons, 2 pens, field goal) defeated Randwick 21 (Jock Pennington 2, Ned Hannigan tries; David Horwitz 3 cons)