A HAT-TRICK from Jake Gordon has steered NSW Country, featuring Berry’s Will Miller, to their first win of the National Rugby Championship season, defeating local rivals Sydney Rays 33-19.
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The Eagles front row of Tom Robertson, Tolu Latu and Paddy Ryan was dominant early, which led to Rays tighthead Cam Betham being yellow-carded in the 12th minute
It was off the back of a scrum that Gordon found the Eagles’ first points, darting through the Rays defence to score – which was followed by their second to Alex Newsome.
The Rays then pounced on an opportunity two minutes later, when winger Curtis Rona dived over.
Despite Eagles lock Emmanuel Meafou being shown a yellow card in the 28th minute, the men in orange didn’t concede any points – rather extending their lead through hooker Latu.
The Rays reduced the lead to 21-12 at the break, thanks to a spectacular effort by Shambeckler Vui.
For all of Sydney’s territory in the early parts of the second half, thanks largely to a strong wind at their backs, the Rays were unable to convert their opportunities, with neither side scoring able to add to their half-time score more than 20 minutes into the second stanza.
There was a late flurry of tries, with Gordon scoring his third off a quick tap before Sinclair went over for the Rays but that was the end of the scoring action for the night, as the Eagles ran out winners 33-19.
Miller’s NSW Country next take on the Canberra Vikings at Armidale’s Bellevue Oval on Sunday, September 23.
