Country 18-12 City

Correspondent

Akuila Uate’s last-minute try proved the difference as Country posted an 18-12 victory over City in the annual Australia fixture.

City’s goal-kicking proved the difference, with South Sydney’s Nathan Merrit missing all three conversions.

City had opened the scoring when Mitchell Pearce sent Beau Champion over the line on nine minutes, but Country hit back when Jarryd Haye spilled a high kick and Michael Gordon crossed, Jamie Soward converting.

Second-half tries from Hayne and Simon Dwyer gave City a 12-6 lead, but Ryan Hinchcliffe barged over the line with 15 minutes left, Soward’s goal levelling the scores.

Both sides failed to land any of their drop-goal attempts, but Soward added a third conversion after Uate’s last-minute try sealed a win for Country.