Country were ahead of most the clash but couldn't maintain their advantage after being on the receiving end of three yellow cards.

While Tom Moaut's in the dying stages had little impact on the game, being without Vaughn Scott and Apimeleki Kaloudonou helped City get back into the contest.

Country led 17-7 after making inroads through the City forward pack with tries to Liam Krautz and Kaloudonou cementing their early advantage before a double to Jake Makeham put the visitors in front.

However an intercept try, Semi Rokodinono's second, gave Country a 24-19 break.

It would be their last try of the game as the City defence held solid in the second stanza.

Trae O'Neill put City back in front before Stephen Gill's boot saw Country return to the lead after successive penalties.

But it wasn't enough as Stanton scored off a scrum move to cement victory.

City coach Will Mitchell was pleased to come away with the win.

But more importantly he was impressed by the display from both teams ahead of selecting a Southern Inland side to compete at the Brumbies Provincial Tournament next month.

"It was exactly what we needed," Mitchell said.

"It was a good hit out.

"You get to see blokes go up against each other who are ultimately fighting for a spot and there were a lot of guys who you thought maybe they aren't quite there yet but they step up and you realise that they are.

"There is a lot of depth in the zone."

City had to deal with a late reshuffle when Wagga City centre Eddie Lagaali failed to show up for the game.

However Boiled Lollies teammates James Curgenven and Stanton combined well after Curgenven slotted in at inside centre.

Krautz was also strong in his first game back in the region in the country colours while Gabe Brown impressed in the forward pack for the victors.

Mitchell thought combining the game with Leeton's junior gala day worked well as well.

"I think it is a really good thing to do," he said.

"There was plenty of locals getting behind the Country boys at Leeton, a fair few juniors hung around to see what junior footy is like so I think it is worthwhile."

FULL-TIME

CITY 33 (Jacob Makeham 2, Jayden Stanton, Trae Little, Callum Ramm tries; Callum Ramm 4 cons) d COUNTRY 30 (Semi Rokodinono 2, Liam Krautz, Apimeleki Kaloudonou tries; Stephen Gill 2 cons, 2 pens)

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