Country have claimed a 34-22 victory over a Wade Graham led City side in Wagga Wagga this afternoon.
Despite a Blake Austin hat-trick of tries, City weren’t quite good enough on the day as Country ran away with the win.
With Sharks rookie Jack Bird at half back for Country against a City side featurng Graham and prop Andrew Fifita, the Sharks players made an impression on the game but it was Bird’s Country outfit who came out on top.
City ran away to an early lead when Austin bagged a double inside the first 11 minutes of the match as they would take a 10-0 lead.
When Country had their first quality use of the ball they managed to hit back, two tries in quick succession giving them a 12-10 lead at the break.
Sharks young gun Bird played a key role in Uate’s try just before half time, after drawing in the City defence he threw the final cut out ball to the Newcastle flyer.
When the teams retuned after half time, Country continued to push the City side and it was Titan David Mead giving Country the best possible start to the second half when he crossed inside the first two minutes.
Corbin Sims showed brilliant footwork with 20 minutes left on the clock to score from short range and when Maloney again added the extras Country had extended their ead to 24-10.
City returned serve soon after with a try to James Tedesco, before Austin went over for a third and when Moylan converted from the sideline an exciting finish was ensured with Country ahead by just 24-22 with 15 minutes remaining.
However, two tries in the final 10 minutes, the first to Raiders centre Jack Wighton, the second to his teammate Jarod Crocker , sealing a 34-22 victory to the Counbtry side.
Bird, City captain Graham and prop Fifita all performed strongly with the Sharks proud of their efforts on the day.
