through, with Horder Prominent but unlucky.Fioin n from a free Oxford drove the ball just under the bar, and as Waterthouse tried to run out Eastern Suburbs closed up In attack. They were opposed by rather weak defence and continued to press with great zest. Steel and Dawson were conspicuous with good runs, Oxford had a couple of Unsuccessful shots at goal. North Sydney contrived to work the ball out with the crowd eagerly expectant when Horder and Blinkhorn handled. They had little room to move, however, and Eastern Suburbs were soon attacking. Waterhouse’s kick, which had gone towards the centre of the field, where Agar marked, and Oxford added a goal. North Sydney 8 to 7. Rapid passing and fine combinations enabled Eastern Suburbs to control the game for some time. Once Caples obtained and pushed of player after player before being tackled. Caples also started Steel, but after a smart run, the latter was brought down. Both teams were playing very earnestly at this stage, and several on each side were cautioned for illegal tactics. Horder kicked a good goal from a penalty agairst Eastern Suburbs, and North Sydney led by 10 points to 7. Back to North Sydney’s line, the ball was handled skilfully by the Eastern Suburbs threequarters, but it remained for Watkins to bring the scores level with a try. Oxford missed the goal that would have placed his side in the lead. Eastern Suburbs continued to press and Hodgkins kicked out for Rigney to mark Oxford this time landed a goal giving Eastern Suburbs the victory in the last minute, as the final whistle sounded immediately afterwards." Premiership Round 16 25 August - Bye: Eastern Suburbs; Premiership Round 17 1 September Eastern Suburbs 13 beat Glebe 11 at Sydney Cricket Ground Premiership Round 18, Saturday 8 September 1923 ; Balmain 12 beat Eastern Suburbs 11 at Sydney Sports Ground By losing their final round match, Eastern Suburbs were joined by traditional rivals South Sydney in the top spot, this resulted in a final needing to be played to determine the premiers for that season. Ladder Grand final A final, the second in as many seasons, was played between Eastern Suburbs and South Sydney the following Wednesday 12 September at the Sydney Cricket Ground, attracting a crowd of 15,000 people. With referee Tom McMahon officiating Eastern Suburbs prevailed winners 15-12 and claimed their first premiership