The Country NSW team have won the 2020 NSWWRL Country v City match, holding off a strong City side to claim a 34-28 win at Queanbeyan Indoor Sports Centre on Sunday.
In what was a fast and frantic game, the Country side led by 20 points in the second half before City fought back. But Country’s defence held strong as they claimed their third win in the annual fixture.
City were on the attack early in the match, camping themselves on the Country tryline, but the opposition defence held them out.
Country were first on the scoreboard, after Jason Attard crossed for a try. Brett Henman successfully converted, giving his side a 6-0 lead.
Country added more points in the 25th minute, with Henman scoring a four-pointer.
City hit back through Stephan Rochecouste, who barged his way over the try line. City captain Craig Cannane converted the try, closing the gap to 10-6.
Rochecouste got his second try of the day a couple of minute later, Craig Cannane converting to level the scores at 10-10 heading into the half-time break.
Both teams came out firing after the break, and it was local player Matt Collins who broke the deadlock, crossing for a try.
Country captain Brad Groves added to his side’s tally with a try, with Diab Karim successfully converting to bring the score to 20-10.
Richard Engles scored next for Country, followed closely for Karim, with Henman converting to bring the score to 30-10.
But the City side weren’t done with yet, and Rochecouste got his third try of the afternoon after slamming the ball down on the tryline. Craig Cannane converted to close the gap to 30-16.
William Derederenalagi scored for City next, Craig Cannane converting, and the side trailing by eight points.
Engles got his second try of the day for Country, to put his side ahead 34-22.
City finished fast with another try to Derederenalagi and conversion by Craig Cannane, but it wasn’t enough as Country held on to claim a 34-28 win.
