The Illawarra Cutters defeated the North Sydney Bears 50-12 at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Saturday.
The Illawarra Cutters won in steamy conditions in the first of three fixtures to be played as part of the Charity Shield triple-header at the venue.
The match started out evenly with both sides feeling each other out until Matt Groat barged over for the Cutters opening try in the 10th minute.
Michael Witt converted his first of six conversion to extend the lead to 6-0.
The Cutters extended their lead seven minutes later through a Craig Garvey's close-range try.
The Cutters took control of the first half with additional tries to Ryan Carr, Nathan Green, and Willi Mataka to lead 28-6 at halftime.
The clouds opened up to start the second half, and conditions became even more humid as both teams once again battled for control to start the half.
Ryan Carr got his second try of the afternoon to put the Cutters further in the lead.
Alipate Noilea also scored before the hourmark to extend the lead to 40-6.
The Cutters started the third stanza in complete control with Kilifi Tia-Kilifi crossing for another try and with Kyle Eather now taking the teams conversion the score was 46-6.
A Nathan Smith try brought up the half century for the Cutters who ultimately ran out 50-12.
Illawarra Cutters 50. Tries: Carr (2), Groat, Garvey, Green, Mataka, Noilea, Tia-Kilifi, Smith. Goals: Witt (6/7), Eather (1/2).
