Country in rare form

QUEENSLAND Country have smashed the Sydney Rays 50-24 to clinch back-toback victories for the first time in the National Rugby Championship.

Country have been the perennial battlers of the NRC since its inception in 2014, winning just five of 23 matches before this season.

However, coached by Brad Thorn, they have enjoyed an impressive start to this campaign to sit second on the ladder despite having already had a bye. Newcomers Fijian Drua are the only side ahead.

The priority Thorn has placed on defence has paid dividends, with Country having conceded the fewest points of any team in the competition.

Yesterday at Pittwater Rugby Park in Sydney, Country came from 10-0 down to skip away with the game in the second half.

Captain Duncan Paia’aua starred with a hat-trick in the eight-try romp.

Bond University will host Country’s next two matches against Melbourne and then NSW Country.