Eagles power past Rays

The blockbuster City v Country top-of-the-table clash lived up to the hype, with the NSW Country Eagles storming home to a 36-16 bonus-point victory over the Sydney Rays at Pittwater Park. Late Wallabies call-up Scott Fardy boosted the Rays, but was matched by NSW Country Eagles and Australian Sevens star Sam Figg who had a standout match for the victors.

Last year's champions Brisbane City fell to Melbourne Rising at Harlequin Oval where the boot of Jack Debreczini was instrumental in his team's dominant 46-28 victory. City now face an uphill battle in their title defence, with a potential place in the finals sliding further away with every loss.

Amy Perret became the first female NRC referee at Viking Park, when she oversaw the UC Vikings v Western Sydney Rams match. In miserable conditions the Vikings edged out the Rams 22-16 to maintain the Horan-Little Shield and move to second in the ladder.

After the Wallabies win over Argentina in Perth the day before, the Spirit enjoyed a similar home ground advantage and were boosted with their own Wallabies – Ben McCalman and Luke Morahan – in an impressive 66-36 triumph over Bond University Queensland Country. Morahan showcased his Wallabies potential with three tries, while for Queensland Country Izaia Perese's dangerous attacking was a highlight.

Round four scores and scorers:

Sydney Rays 16-36 NSW Country Eagles

The scorers:

For Sydney Rays:

Tries: Vest, Penalty Try

Cons: Lucas 2

For NSW Country Eagles:

Tries: Robinson, Latu, Cusack, Gordon

Cons: Deegan 2, Adams 1

Melbourne Rising 46-28 Brisbane City

The scorers:

For Melbourne Rising:

Tries: Debreczeni 2, Tupai, Reid, Placid, Fox

Cons: Debreczeni, Meehan 4

For Brisbane City:

Tries: Naisarani 2, James

Cons: McIntyre, James

UC Vikings 22-16 Western Sydney Rams

The scorers:

For UC Vikings:

Tries: Taliauli, Taula, McInerney

Cons: Jooste 2

For Western Sydney Rams:

Tries: Latunipulu, Toleafoa

Cons: Asquith 2

Perth Spirit 66-36 Queensland Country

The scorers:

For Perth Spirit:

Tries: Morahan 3, Haylett-Petty 2, Vui, Louwrens, Brache, Matuauto

Cons: Lance 6

For Queensland Country:

Tries: Kaitu'u, Paia'aua, Cornelsen, Mason, Banks

Cons: Third, Mason 2

NRC standings after Round Four:

NSW Country Eagles –  18 points

Sydney Rays –  14 points

UC Vikings – 14 points

Perth Spirit – 13 points

Melbourne Rising –  10 points

Brisbane City –  4 points

Western Sydney Rams –  3 points

Queensland Country –  1 point