Around the Grounds

Around the Grounds

The 2020 Shute Shield season is heating up on and off the field. There has been a raft of changes to the ladder in recent weeks as some clubs are coming home with a late surge, other clubs struggling to keep momentum and some simply have too much to do.

Randwick v Manly
Many would have had Randwick on Grand Final day such was their opening season form, only a week ago their season was on life support after back to back thumpings at the hands of Gordon and Norths. Having revived their season with a strong win over Sydney Uni their finals place looks confirmed, they will still need to turn up focused to get the job done in this one with the bye next week positions 5,6 and 7 will be closing in. After last week's loss to Easts, Manly's season is all but over. (Randwick by 15)

Gordon v Sydney University
The Victor Trumper stand went quiet as spectators headed for the exit with time to play remaining, such was the mood of the locals at Chatswood Oval. Meanwhile, across town the ground announcer would have had less vigor as Randwick ran in 5 first-half tries to deliver Sydney Uni their first back to back losses in some time. While Gordon has their finals confirmed, they will be nervous about top spot if they can't get the points in this one, whereas heavyweights Sydney Uni will need to bounce back fast with Easts and Souths breathing down their neck. (Uni by 4)

Eastern Suburbs v Penrith
Eastern Suburbs lifted themselves off the canvas some weeks ago with 5 consecutive wins and will be too much for the Emus is this, with more and more Super Rugby players making their way to Woollahra. (Easts 30+)

West Harbour v Two Blues
Without much material impact on standings towards the pointy end. This game is for the faithful supporters at the picturesque Taplin Oval. (Pirates by 12)

Hunter v Warringah
The 2019 runners up have the slimmest mathematical chance to sneak into the 6 but have really left their run too late to for a look at another Grand Final. (Rats by 10)