Wagga City knowing it would be a tough day at the office.

Recent welcome rain meant there would be several key members of the side unable to play due to tractor duties and this, coupled with a couple of promotions to first grade, resulted in further player

unavailability meaning two senior grade players had to double up.

On a fine day but running into a gale force wind in the first half, Coota had the best possible start with a glut of possession.

With the forwards working well as a unit, they drove their opponents back and a rolling maul saw Greg Morton peel from the pack and score under the posts.

Phil Gay’s conversion put the Tricolours in front

7-0.

It was soon after that City moved their two props, taking advantage of a few ‘locals’ who were home for the Wagga Gold Cup carnival, and began to

dominate.

The Tricolours lost a scrum against the feed and City were quick to pounce with a crisp backline movement seeing them stroll under the uprights for a converted try and a 7-7 score.

Now struggling with the wind, Coota were forced to defend for long periods, with Alexander Champain, Dab Craft and Marty Speering the

standouts in this department.

Close to halftime, City found a gap in the defence to double their score.

Coach Mick Gay praised his side’s defence in the opening stanza, stressing they would have what he believed was a 20-point breeze at their backs in the second half and urged them to keep working hard.

Former local Wade Palframan was starring for the Boiled Lollies and 10 minutes into the second half scored the softest of tries, again under the posts,

converting his own effort for a 21-7 lead.

City had lifted and, with a dominance of

possession and plenty of reserves on hand, were always going to be hard to catch.

Phil Gay’s kicking game helped repel the

opposition, however the Tricolours couldn’t find a way to break through.

On a day where everyone had to stand up and be counted, no one did more so than rookie winger Jake Tucker who made an excellent try-saving tackle and was safe under the high ball.

One troubling aspect was the lop-sided penalty count which finished at 12-6, with City getting eight in the second half to Coota’s three.

While disappointed with the result, Mick Gay was proud of his team’s effort under trying conditions.

“We had at least eight players unavailable through tractor duties and when you consider the calibre of these players, it takes a fair bit of impact out of our side,” Gay said.

“We were without both Simon and Angus Brabin, Andrew and Dave Hillam, Dave Sheridan, Cam Hazlett, Scott Carter and Chris Friend.

“There are some very handy players among that lot.”

Gay said he has not set a short term goal ahead of the bye for the June long weekend.

“We’re 2-2 at the moment and I’m looking to be at least 4-3 by the time the bye comes along,” he said.

“We need to be around that mark to maintain touch with the leading sides.”