The Rocks have now lost two games in as many weeks after avoiding defeat for close to a season-and-a-half.

They are also in danger of slipping out of the top three after fourth-placed University continued to apply pressure with a 34-3 trouncing of Kiama.

While Tech Waratahs generally aren't rated among the main contenders, their dominance of the Rocks had all the hallmarks of the Tahs' 2004 and '05 premiership-winning teams.

Tech Waratahs coach Keith Wilson said his side was missing five regular players, including captain Tim Olsen.

"It was a fabulous performance. I had some of our life members come up after the game and say they hadn't seen us play like that for a few years," he said.

"Our second and third grade sides lost, but that was the knock-on effect of pulling players up into first grade, and the hunger and passion of those guys had a big impact on how we played. I asked them to do a job for me and they were tremendous.

"We knew Shamrocks would come here wanting to win after their loss to Vikings and we were just as hungry after losing a close one to Uni. We finished all over Uni and took that positive finish into the game against Shamrocks, and carried it over for 80 minutes.

"Our forwards got them going backwards, (fly-half) Lee Martin was excellent with his kicking game and our stand-in captain Tim Filan led from the front with some big tackles.

"I really feel as though we're heading in the right direction, especially over the last three weeks. The boys are showing a lot of passion and intensity at training and taking it into the game."

Wilson believes the Tahs will get a better idea of their place in the pecking order when they hit the road against Shoalhaven this weekend.

"Beating Shamrocks wasn't a fluke and we want to show against Shoalhaven that it wasn't just a flash in the pan," he said.

"Shoalhaven like to play a very structured game ... We'll go out and harass them and try not to let them settle into their structure."

Meanwhile, Avondale stayed on top of the table with a 35-12 home win over Bowral, while Shoalhaven remained second with a 45-7 rout of Vikings.

Table: Avondale 38, Shoalhaven 35, Shamrocks 27, Uni 26, Tech Waratahs 20, Bowral 18, Vikings 18, Kiama 14, Camden 7.