Cockatoos take down arch rivals
» Back to News Listing
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
NSWCRU Media Release
In the annual Country Clash, the NSW Country Cockatoos have claimed 2008 bragging rights with a hard-fought victory over the Queensland Country Heelers 19-11 at Victoria Park, Warren.
Australian Rugby Shield
Australian Rugby Shield
The win sees the Cockatoos close the gap on the competition table with a match in hand.
The Cockatoos opened the match on the front foot and had the Heelers under the pump during the first ten minutes with attacking play. During this period the Cockatoos were over the line three times, but on each occasion were ruled to be held up.
After weathering the storm, the Blue Heelers worked play into the Cockatoos' half, and kicked a penalty goal to take a 3-0 lead.
The Cockatoos again set up camp in Queensland Country's half, and after failing with two penalty kicks, hooker Mick Lee drove over for a converted try to take the Cockatoos out to a 7-3 lead.
The lead was short-lived, as the Heelers struck back when they executed a well-worked backline move to score an unconverted try.
During the next ten minutes both teams launched attacks, but the defence held tight with play being situated between the 22s.
The Cockatoos were finally rewarded when flanker John Norton finished off a series of driving plays to cross for an unconverted try to retake the lead to 12-8.
The Heelers kicked a penalty on the half-time bell to reduce the Cockatoos' half-time lead to just one point.
The second half saw the majority of the play in the Heelers' half, but the only score was a converted try to Cockatoos No.8 Mike Te Moana leaving the full-time score at 19 -11.
The defence of both teams was very solid, which limited scoring opportunities and forced a lot of turnover ball. The Player's Player was Bowral tighthead Liam Vaughan who worked tirelessly in the tight, and was always on hand to truck the ball up in attack.
NSW Country Cockatoos 19 (Mick Lee, John Norton, Mike Te Moana tries; David Kennedy 2 cons) d Queensland Country Heelers 11 (Allan Chatfield tries; Mike Zovko 2 pens) at Victoria Park, Warren.
Standings: QLD Country 10, NSW Country 8, Adelaide, 5, Darwin 4, Melbourne 1.