By Tom Lilburne.

Cutters hosted Wagga City under lights on Saturday.

Wagga City made the valiant effort of playing its grade commitments in Wagga before travelling to Hay for a 6.45PM kick off in a grand final rematch.

Cutters were quick to pick up from where they left off with Griffith two weeks ago with aggressive attack that kept the ball out of Wagga City’s hands.

It wasn’t long before the sting on the wing, Tom O’Rafferty crossed the line as the Cutters spread the ball wide simply through the hands.

They were assisted by some solid runs from Digby Lilburne at inside centre and great hands from Hamish Pennington to his outside centre who has made himself a great asset for the Hay side for 2024 season.

Before long Cutters had asserted themselves against City, tallying up five tries through the works of James Lott and James Harrison.

Penalties were rich against the Cutters, but at halftime the Cutters had a comfortable lead of 31-7, as the guest slipping a try in towards the end of the half with a domineering run from one of their big forwards.

Ed Lilburne was happy with the team’s effort, defence was stressed to go low and not to play into City’s hand.

In second half the tides shifted.

City began to hold the ball long and work their way down the field, giving the Cutters a good test of their defence which held strong for the most part with some gruelling defence within their own 22.

As a war of attrition broke out, City became the victors as they crossed twice. Tempers flew as both sides became more emotionally invested, with a yellow card given to City for a head butt against Hamish Pennington.

Cutters feeling the pressure rallied and put in a huge effort in the last 10 minutes to remain City’s half with some gritty footy and valiant effort from the forwards to seal the win. Jack Shand showed great courage under the high ball under pressure in his second game of rugby.

Tom Condon made the effort to play for the Cutters after a game of League in his hometown Goolgowi, putting in some of his signature big contacts.

Tom Lilburne was back to his old self, wiggling himself into advantageous positions to get some great run-aways off the back of off-loads and some great defence around the ruck.

Hamish Pennington’s boot was much appreciated with conversions finally starting to tally up and long damaging kicks that gave the Cutters great field position throughout the game.

Lochie Ireson gave his stellar defence.

Game closed out with Cutters continuing their undefeated streak at home and victors over last year’s grand final opposition.

Cutters host their Stubbleman’s Day next Saturday afternoon for sponsors.

All welcomed.

Cutters thank everyone who turned out in the cold and Yabby and Sandra Ireson for running the barbecue bar for the evening, plus helpers Ian Lilburne and Duncan Fraser.

Cutters defeated City 38-21 (tries; James Harrison – 3, Tom O’Rafferty – 2, James Lott – 1. Conversions Hamish Pennington 4/6) Points; James Harrison 3, Lochie Ireson 2, Tom O’Rafferty 1, Players’ Player Tom Lilburne.