MARGARET River Gropers players Andre Schonfeldt at fly half and Todd Harrison at prop were key players in the annual City versus Country fixture at Perry Lakes last Saturday.

In an absorbing, high standard contest the Country team went down 12-18 in a game that could have gone either way.

After conceding two tries in the opening 10 minutes, WA Country set about clawing back the deficit.

The forwards began asserting some authority with Harrison soon having his opposite number publicly pleading for some mercy at scrum time.

After repeatedly punching holes close to the ruck the forwards rumbled across for Country’s first try.

The ever alert Schonfeldt was then on hand to capitalise on a handling error to scoot across the line for a converted try to lock the teams at 12-all at the break.

The second half saw both teams construct sweeping attacking moves back and forward up the field but neither defence conceded the try.

In the end it was two penalties under the posts which won the City team a very tight affair.

In the process of being awarded Country’s best player award, Schonfeldt damaged his shoulder and will be unavailable for the Gropers fixture against Collie in Collie this weekend.

In the final game of the first round of the South West competition, the Gropers will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the competition.

Training is on Tuesdays and Thursday at the Football Oval at 6pm and new players are always welcome.

Contact Andre Schonfeldt on 0408 955 063 for details.