This afternoon’s one of the three Shute Shield semi games this weekend was a cracker at Coogee Oval between reigning champions Randwick and 2020 champions Gordon. Randwick may have scored the first points thanks to the penalty TRY but Gordon stole the first half show by two points at the break 12-14.
Gordon may have extended their winning share later on but the game wasn’t over just yet when the Wicks began to make up lost time thanks to some fresh faces off the bench before a series of Gordon’s handling errors went their way & then Randwick somehow regained the lead to shut them down towards full-time 36-29.
As it stands, Eastern Suburbs (who were too good at the same time v Manly 45-17) and Randwick are through to next Saturday’s Elimination Finals day.
There’s one more semi-final game to settle tomorrow afternoon at 3.05pm with Warringah v Northern Suburbs as Manly already out of the running. If Warringah win, they will play v Randwick and Gordon won’t be out of the race just yet, but Gordon will have to face the 1st-placed Easts. But if Norths win, then Gordon will join Manly as the ones being left out as they will play v Randwick & Warringah to play v Easts. It remains to be seen if the Elimination Final games will all be played at North Sydney Oval like it was last year.
It’s just the 2024 Shute Shield Finals wording has slightly changed a bit that’s all as the highest ranked losing 1st week Finals side will get a second chance in either Gordon (4th) or Norths (5th) with Warringah already safe regardless of tomorrow’s result since they finished 2nd.
That young midfielder Matias Jensen saved the day for Randwick when he came off the bench in the 2nd half & finished off knowing his side is still in the Playoffs fight with the 36-29 win. You just couldn’t take off the eyes every time the ball comes to him who can do whatever he wants to cross the line with pace including one TRY for himself. Let’s hope his ongoing focus to help Randwick retain their Shute Shield title for 2024 will be enough for the Brumbies to give him a chance at Super Rugby level next season.
Ben Houston on the other hand at 8 for the Wicks also brilliant to watch like a firefighter to help get themselves out of trouble & that turned out to be the win he wanted following a hard-fought 2nd half shift. Those firefighter qualities he’s got reflect his natural game with unfinished business ahead. He’s so good in defense, as well as the leadership since he’s the skipper and how he helps out with a mix of pace & power in attack via the ruck, scrum/maul & on the counter – that’s all.
And we did enjoy James Armstrong’s two-try performance on the outside No.13 for Gordon where he knows how to beat his man thanks to the depth being offered through the short side or gate. The fight was there every time Gordon attempts to play catch up with the Wicks on the counter & there’s no need for an introduction other than Armstrong thanks to his explosive running ability. It’s just a shame Gordon gave the ball away including the ill-discipline & that’s gotta hurt not just with the result but also possibly their bid to win the Shute Shield if Norths win over Warringah tomorrow afternoon.