The Two Blues scored four tries to three against Northern Suburbs at North Sydney Oval but were beaten 31-24 in the Shute Shield first-grade rugby union competition.

Parramatta stormed home after being down 11-0 at half-time on the rain-drenched field and were still attacking in the last minute.

Kicking proved the difference, with Norths scoring 16 points from goals and a field goal.

``We were pretty confident at half-time,'' Parramatta co-coach Ian Hollins said.

``Like us the week before, Norths didn't seem to want to play in the wet.''

Parramatta centre Phil Rangi scored yet another try in the second half, adding to his growing tally.

``Rangi wasn't happy with his form in the first half and as he ran out for the second half he said `I'll make it up to you','' Hollins said.

Rangi did but he wasn't the main contributor.

Young captain Andrew Cox had a rousing return to form and Areta Lama relished his return from the wing to five-eighth, scoring a try and setting up two others.

Flanker Winney Paulo was strong and Wise Gravidi lively in the three quarters.

Parramatta's beef was with the Waratahs and their refusal to let hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau play because of a supposed ankle injury. ``It's a joke,'' said Hollins. ``He wanted to play and ran the line in second grade.''

Hollins pointed to Sydney University's being allowed to field their doubtful Waratah players on Saturday.

Parramatta have the bye this Saturday and host Randwick the following weekend. The Galloping Greens will field all their representative players and are coached by departed Two Blue mentor Gary Ella, of course.