Round 7 is run and done with Old Collegians and Southern Suburbs playing out a thrilling Premier Grade match of the round at Tregenza Oval.
Souths outscored their hosts three tries to two but Old Colls did enough to scrape home 20-19 off the back of a late sideline conversion from halfback Sesoni Rokotuiloma.
Earlier, Old Colls drew first blood through Stewart Nutt by keeping things tight with a fourth minute pick and drive before Souths squared the ledger after 16 minutes via an Atino Vaihu crash ball.
A 27th minute penalty from Maxwell Monfries saw Old Colls retake the lead but it was shortlived as Tilly Bici stepped inside two defenders to ice an acrobatic try in the top left corner, Vaihu’s conversion putting Souths back in front 12-10.
Both sides missed multiple shots on goal in a largely scoreless second half before Tanaki’s close range effort and Rokotuiloma’s boot seemingly won the game for Old Colls with five minutes remaining.
However there was late drama to come as Sekove Duakorovatu caught the hosts napping with a quick tap try to set up a grandstand finish, Old Colls eventually holding on for a one point win.
Meanwhile Adelaide University picked up their second win of 2024 with a 48-24 victory over Port Adelaide.
Ben Thomas and Rafe Liebers bagged doubles as the students ran in eight tries to four at Riverside Oval before Brighton rolled Elizabeth 115-0 on home soil.
Across town, a Ben Moffat brace helped extend Burnside’s unbeaten streak with the Double Blues running out 43-10 victors over Woodville while Troy Wilkins’ hat-trick spearheaded Onkaparinga’s 44-17 win over Barossa, putting the Devils into fifth on the competition ladder.
Woodville remain unbeaten in the women’s competition following a hard-fought 36-19 win over Burnside with Wasps duo Naomi Caucau and Brooke McHugh scoring doubles.
Souths also found joy in the women’s competition, running in five tries to one in a 33-5 away victory over Port Adelaide.
The Pirates got theirs back in Reserve Grade, defeating Uni 38-34 while Onkas and Souths also ground out important wins.
Burnside and Old Colls continue to keep pace with Brighton Gold in Third Grade after posting bonus point wins over North Torrens and Souths respectively.
