Scores were locked at 5-all at half-time and Shamrocks were on track for an upset after taking a 12-5 lead in the second half.

But when the Rocks missed a 75th-minute penalty kick that would have sealed victory, the visitors made them pay with a try under the posts in the final minute.

Liam O'Dwyer slotted the easy conversion to ensure the Tahs didn't go home empty-handed.

"The game was there to be won by both teams and the boys were a bit disappointed that Tech scored right on the full-time whistle," Shamrocks coach Barry Jones said.

"I was so proud of the boys' effort. Tech had all the possession and territory in the first half and we really had to defend our line. I can't ask for anything more from the team as far as their commitment and defence goes.

"It was our best defensive effort we've put in all year.

"Tech missed a few penalties but their all-round game was excellent. It really was a game that could've gone either way so the draw wasn't too bad a result."

Tech Waratahs remained in top spot, while the Rocks stayed in sixth, eight points adrift of fifth-placed University.

Jones believes his side has the talent and hunger to pinch a top-five berth.

"That game showed us we can definitely match it with the top teams and if we can scrape into the semis, we'll certainly give the other teams something to think about," he said.

"Playing a game like that definitely gives us something to work with and build on and, if we can keep chipping away in the second round and pull some points back on a couple of teams above us, the semis aren't beyond us."

Meanwhile, Engadine extended their winning streak to seven with a 31-19 home victory over premiers Shoalhaven.

Scoring tries for the Lions were Mackie Jones, Paris McCrea, Chris Miller and Eli Peters (2).

Shoalies have lost their past three games and are in fourth spot, while the Lions moved a step closer to cementing a top-three finish in their debut season in first grade.

Kiama grabbed a 29-24 win over Camden at Kiama Showground and Avondale overran Vikings 52-5.

Table: Tech Waratahs 38, Avondale 35, Engadine 32, Shoalhaven 27, University 26, Shamrocks 18, Camden 14, Kiama 14, Vikings 2.