Country second half blitz defeats City

Country have run in four second half tries to blitz City 36-18 in front of a sell-out crowd at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium.

City started the stronger side with two quick tries to young half Kris Keating who took a nice offload from school-mate Trent Hodkinson to open the scoring, Lachlan Coote furthered the advantage a few minutes later with a nice try. Country fought back with boom youngster Josh Dugan getting Country's first try and Jamal Idris making the scores 12 all going into halftime.

The second half though, was all Country with vetern winger Luke Burt starring by having a perfect night with the boot and opened the second half try-scoring and fellow winger Michael Robertson added to the score in the 64th minute. Dean Young scored his first try to give Country an unassailable lead with a try in the 69th minute.

Anthony Minichiello scored a consolation try for City seven minutes from time but Dean Young pounced for his second try to seal a convincing win for the Country boys 36-18. A lot of players staked their claim for a spot in Game 1 of State of Origin and the spotlight is now on the selectors for their selections.

Match Details
Country 36 defeated City 18
City v Country - Country v City Origin - Friday May 7, 2010 7:35pm
Venue: Port Macquarie Regional Stadium
Referee: Jared Maxwell and Matt Cecchin
Video Referee: Sean Hampstead
Touch Judges: Steve Carrall and Russell Turner
Crowd: 10,000
Halftime: Country 12 City 12

Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 Points - Dean Young (2 Tries)
2 Points - Luke Burt (1 Try, 6 Conversions)
1 Point - Josh Dugan (1 Try)

Country (36)
Tries: Josh Dugan, Michael Robertson, Jamal Idris, Luke Burt, Dean Young (2)
Conversions: Luke Burt (6/6)

City (18)
Tries: Lachlan Coote, Anthony Minichiello, Kris Keating
Conversions: Trent Hodkinson (3/3)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary Welcome to beautiful Port Macquarie for the rep selection match, City v Country. No changes to either team.
1 min: And we're off for this year's city/country!
17 min: TRY
First blood to City through Keating. Hodkinson kicks his first goal easily.
City 6-0
21 min: TRY
Lachlan Coote finishes off a nice movement from Beau Champion and Trent Waterhouse to score. Hodkinson slots the conversion.
City 12-0
29 min: TRY
Josh Dugan gets Country on the board with a try. Burt kicks it easily.
City 12-6
40 min: TRY
The big bloke Jamal Idris scores on halftime and Burt converts to take us to halftime level.
12 all
41 min: 2nd half has begun and we're level.
51 min: TRY
Luke Burt puts Country in the lead with a try and kicks the goal too.
Country 18-12
64 min: TRY
Manly winger Michael Robertson gives Country a 12 point lead. Burt kicks the extras.
Country 24-12
69 min: TRY
Dean Young puts it out of City's reach with his try and Burt continues his perfect night with the boot.
Country 30-12
73 min: TRY
Anthony Minichiello makes the defiect twelve with a late try. Trent Hodkinson kicks the goal.
Country 30-18
79 min: TRY
Dean Young finishes the game with a double for Country. Luke Burt finishes a perfect night with a boot, with one more conversion.
Country 36-18
80 min: Country have run out convincing winners here tonight.