Eagles power past Rays
The blockbuster City v Country top-of-the-table clash lived up to the hype, with the NSW Country Eagles storming home to a 36-16 bonus-point victory over the Sydney Rays at Pittwater Park. Late Wallabies call-up Scott Fardy boosted the Rays, but was matched by NSW Country Eagles and Australian Sevens star Sam Figg who had a standout match for the victors.
Last year's champions Brisbane City fell to Melbourne Rising at Harlequin Oval where the boot of Jack Debreczini was instrumental in his team's dominant 46-28 victory. City now face an uphill battle in their title defence, with a potential place in the finals sliding further away with every loss.
Amy Perret became the first female NRC referee at Viking Park, when she oversaw the UC Vikings v Western Sydney Rams match. In miserable conditions the Vikings edged out the Rams 22-16 to maintain the Horan-Little Shield and move to second in the ladder.
After the Wallabies win over Argentina in Perth the day before, the Spirit enjoyed a similar home ground advantage and were boosted with their own Wallabies – Ben McCalman and Luke Morahan – in an impressive 66-36 triumph over Bond University Queensland Country. Morahan showcased his Wallabies potential with three tries, while for Queensland Country Izaia Perese's dangerous attacking was a highlight.
Round four scores and scorers:
Sydney Rays 16-36 NSW Country Eagles
The scorers:
For Sydney Rays:
Tries: Vest, Penalty Try
Cons: Lucas 2
For NSW Country Eagles:
Tries: Robinson, Latu, Cusack, Gordon
Cons: Deegan 2, Adams 1
Melbourne Rising 46-28 Brisbane City
The scorers:
For Melbourne Rising:
Tries: Debreczeni 2, Tupai, Reid, Placid, Fox
Cons: Debreczeni, Meehan 4
For Brisbane City:
Tries: Naisarani 2, James
Cons: McIntyre, James
UC Vikings 22-16 Western Sydney Rams
The scorers:
For UC Vikings:
Tries: Taliauli, Taula, McInerney
Cons: Jooste 2
For Western Sydney Rams:
Tries: Latunipulu, Toleafoa
Cons: Asquith 2
Perth Spirit 66-36 Queensland Country
The scorers:
For Perth Spirit:
Tries: Morahan 3, Haylett-Petty 2, Vui, Louwrens, Brache, Matuauto
Cons: Lance 6
For Queensland Country:
Tries: Kaitu'u, Paia'aua, Cornelsen, Mason, Banks
Cons: Third, Mason 2
NRC standings after Round Four:
NSW Country Eagles – 18 points
Sydney Rays – 14 points
UC Vikings – 14 points
Perth Spirit – 13 points
Melbourne Rising – 10 points
Brisbane City – 4 points
Western Sydney Rams – 3 points
Queensland Country – 1 point
