FOX SPORTS
August 23, 2015 8:02PM


MELBOURNE Rising will keep the Horan-Little Shield for at least another week after defeating Queensland Country 39-31 on the Gold Coast.

Despite having a man sent to the sin-bin in each half, last year’s minor premiers scored a six tries to five win in hot, humid conditions.

A double to scrumhalf Ben Meehan and a try to former Test winger Dom Shipperley in the 70th minute sealed the victory for Rising.

While young Reds and Country tighthead prop Sef Fa'agase also grabbed a double, including a run-away try to start the second-half.

Rising was forced to do without tighthead prop Tim Metcher for almost the entire match after he was forced to leave the field in the opening minutes after sustaining a knee injury at the breakdown.

Young Rebels five-eighth Jack Debreczeni showed a number of classy touches for Rising, while the backrow of Jordy Reid, Scott Fuglistaller and Colby Fainga’a played strongly.

Meanwhile, former Wallaby Radike Samo fought tirelessly for Country, but the gigantic backrower couldn’t inspire his side to victory.

In the round’s other matches, defending champions Brisbane City opened this year’s competition on Thursday night with victory over Perth Spirit.

On Saturday, the Sydney Stars piled on five tries inside 20 minutes — including one to Wallaby discard James Hanson — running into half-time and eventually beat the North Harbour Rays 45-29 at Manly Oval.

The Rays started brightly in both halves scoring the opening two tries in each period, but ultimately couldn’t run the journey against a strong Stars forward-pack featuring Hanson, Tolu Latu, Dave Dennis, Pat McCutcheon and Jeremy Tilse.

Meanwhile, NSW Country Eagles edged out Greater Sydney Rams in a thriller winning 32-31 at Granville Park in Merrylands.

Despite the Rams outscoring the Eagles five tries to four, a perfect day with the boot to Force recruit and five-eighth Jono Lance saw the Country boys home.

Exciting young Waratahs outside back Andrew Kellaway scored the Eagles’ third try of the afternoon, which will have pleased new Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson as he looks to settle on another starting back following the departures of Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Betham and most likely Matt Carraro.


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