NRC: Country kick clear with dominant win over Rays

Sat, Oct 6, 2018, 6:53 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Bond University plays host to Queensland Country's round six fixture against Sydney Rays.

Queensland Country have kept their spot in the final four alive with a second half onslaught against the Sydney Rays.

The 64-24 win was not quite as dominant as the scoreline suggests as the first half was particularly tight but when play resumed the Queensland Country backline unleashed.

Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell and Jordan Petaia all cut Sydney to pieces and the trio managed 20 points between them.

Daugunu is an electric operator who sizzled every time he touched the football, Campbell a savvy back with silky skills and the more Petaia plays the quicker he looks like he belongs on the big stage.Country routed the Rays in the second half. Photo: Getty ImagesThey were all outstanding but they were not the sole stars for Country.

Hamish Stewart was the puppet master for the visitors but he was aided by a dominant pack which thrived at set piece time and with ball in hand.

Richie Asiata, Angus Scott-Young and Harry Wilson all impressed, putting in big shifts.

While the second half quickly turned into the Daugunu and co show Sydney put up a fight in the first term to only trail 19-10 at the break.

Both JP Sauni and Tyson Davis crossed giving the home side hope.

Jack Dempsey was a shining light for Sydney. Photo: Getty ImagesBut tries to Chris Feauai-Sautia, Campbell, Alex Casey, Daugunu, Petaia and a late intercept to Harry Nucifora put the result well beyond doubt.

There were some late consolation points for Sydney but the biggest consolation of all was the performance of Jack Dempsey.

He looks to be nearing his best work and must feature on the Wallabies' Spring Tour as a ball running No. 6.

RESULT

Sydney Rays 24

Tries: Sauni, Davis, Vui, Folau

Cons: Harrison, O'Shea

Queensland Country 64

Tries: Petaia 2, McDermott, Asiata, Feauai-Sautia, Campbell, Casey, Daugunu, Nucifora, Penalty Try

Cons: Stewart 5

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