The North Sydney Bears have continued their charge to a top-five finish with an eleven-try romping of the Newcastle Knights, while the Roosters Jersey Flegg side was unable to overcome their opponents in a top two battle.
Gildart Scores Five in Bears Bashing of Knights
Sydney Roosters mid-season recruit Oliver Gildart touched down for an incredible five tries as the North Sydney Bears announced themselves as Premiership threats in their 60-4 demolition of the Newcastle Knights.
Back at North Sydney Oval on Sunday afternoon, Norths touched down twice through Gildart in the opening sixteen minutes, before front rower Fletcher Baker scored to extend the scores.
Centre Adam Keighran added to the scoresheet before Gildart completed his hat-trick to leave the halftime scores at 28-nil with the Bears in control and thriving on the dry track.
NSW Cup Round 22 Highlights: Bears vs Knights
Fullback Josh Bergamin bagged a four-pointer just minutes from the resumption after a Drew Hutchison break, while Baker notched his double soon after as they extended the scores, with Newcastle finally cracking the scoresheet with the final quarter looming.
Not deterred by conceding, the red and black tsunami continued to roll as Gildart made it four to his name, with Bergamin crossing for his own double as the scoreboard ticked over a half-century.
With five minutes remaining on the clock, the home side wasn't done yet with front rower Regan Hughes burst through to score, while an 80th-minute special saw the flying Englishman score his fifth of the day as Norths hit 60.
Match: Bears v Knights
Round 22 -
home Team
Bears
4th Position
away Team
Knights
9th Position
Venue: North Sydney Oval, Sydney
Keighran finished the match with a 20-point haul thanks to eight conversions and his try, as the Shoremen ran away to a 54-point victory with the North Sydney faithful in full cheer and in fourth position.
North Sydney Bears 60 (Oliver Gildart 5, Josh Bergamin 2, Fletcher Baker 2, Adam Keighran, Regan Hughes tries; Adam Keighran 8 goals) def Newcastle Knights 0
Roosters Defeated in Top Two Clash
The Sydney Roosters Jersey Flegg side were unable to come away with a victory in their clash against second-placed Newcastle, pipped 22-14 at Marcellin Fields in Randwick.
Match: Roosters v Knights
Round 22 -
home Team
Roosters
1st Position
away Team
Knights
2nd Position
Venue: Marcellin Fields, Maroubra
Easts got on the board early through winger Vuate Karawalevu, before Riley Meyn burst through to add to the scoreboard for two tries, giving the side a handy 14-nil lead.
Unfortunately, the Tricolours were run down in the second half, with their opponents answering with four tries of their own to establish an eight-point advantage and claim the two competition points.
The Sydney Roosters Jersey Flegg side turns their attention to the Wests Tigers this Sunday in another top-four clash with just two weeks remaining before finals.
Sydney Roosters 14 (Vuate Karawalevu, Riley Meyn 2; Hugo Savala goal) def by Newcastle Knights 22
