Wallaby Darby Lancaster has shone for Eastern Suburbs to claim a 38-34 win over Warringah and a place in the Shute Shield Final.
The flyer crossed for a hat-trick, including the game-winner in the final seconds, as the minor premiers hunt for their first title since 1969.
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The former Sevens star created some magic for the opener, charging down a clearing kick from the ‘Rats before winning the race to the loose ball.
Warringah’s flyhalf Coby Miln continued to keep them in the game as he slotted eight penalties and a field goal throughout the back-and-forth game.
It gave them a 22-10 lead before the break, only for Waratah Teddy Wilson to dart over to reduce the margin.
Wilson and Lancaster’s second tries of the afternoon gave them the lead with 20 minutes to go, however, two penalties from Miln looked to have booked Warringah’s spot in the Final.
Up stepped Lancaster, who spied an inch of space to dive over for the winner with 13 seconds to go.
Easts will face Northern Suburbs after they got revenge for last year’s Grand Final thanks to a 34-17 win over Randwick.
Norths raced out to a 20-3 lead at the break as Force star Max Burey crossed in the third minute to set the tempo.
Burey linked with Force team-mate Henry O’Donnell as the former Sevens star sprinted away for the opener.
Roan Frostwick’s try and a pair of Jude Gibbs penalties delighted the North Sydney crowd as they went into half-time with momentum.
The defending champions Randwick pressed in the second half and eventually found themselves within ten points, only for the Shoreman to rally.
Former Junior Wallabies centre O’Donnell set up Jack Radford to restore their lead before Hugh Sinclair sealed the win with a late try.
Norths are hunting for their first title since 2016, having lost in the Final in 2017 and 2023, whilst claiming the 2022 minor premiership
