City claim shield in high scoring contest

v BYE

City claim bragging rights for this year's City-Country clash with a 44-30 win over Country in a points fest. Aaron Gray was the star of the show scoring four tries for City after filling in for Nofoaluma on the wing after he went off injured early in the 1st half.

Country dominated early proceedings but just couldn't put the points on the board besides Cordner's try but it was an intercept by Matterson from Bird which changed the momentum as that play ended up with Gray scoring his first try of the afternoon and getting the momentum back for his side. Gray had his second try as he run onto Cartwright's great kick in behind to put his side in the lead and City were in again as Lovett scored right on half time to give his side an 18-6 lead at the break

The start of the second half was all City as they went on a try scoring frenzy posting three tries in six minutes to shoot out to a 30-6 lead with 30 minutes still left to play. Country got a settling try through Aitken to cut the lead and De Belin also got to the line and Country were coming home strong before once again, City wrestled back the momentum to score through debutant Matterson.

Country scored two late consolation tries to cut back the deficit to 16 points and that's where the game ended. The people of Tamworth got their money's worth today with plenty of attacking football on the menu and not a lot of thought given to defence. City have their first win in this fixture since 2012 and have given Laurie Daley some selection headaches ahead of Origin 1 on June 1st.