THE Group 6 representative rugby league side activated its star power on Saturday, soundly beating South Coast Group 7 Bulls.
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A host of former NRL players helped Group 6 to a comfortable 38-16 win over rivals Group 7 at Community Oval, Moss Vale.
Vice-captain Stuart Flanagan, Michael Lett and Drury Low crossed for tries while big men Bryce Gibbs and Ray Cashmere laid a strong platform up front.
The first half was a see-sawing battle between the two sides.
Group 6 struck the first blow when five-eighth Jesse Dee crossed for an early try in front of his home crowd.
But the visitors hit back soon after through centre Josh Toohey and winger Mitch Simington to take a 12-6 lead.
Momentum swung towards Group 6 and the side cashed in through prop Ben Weir and Low to establish an 18-12 advantage.
A late try to winger Kurt Field boosted the visitors, but Group 6 led 18-16 at half-time.
The second half was dominated by the home side.
Lett opened the scoring after the break and Flanagan dived over to take Group 6 to a 30-16 advantage.
Tries in the closing stages to Chris Browne and Siona Kavelata secured the 38-16 victory.
While the former NRL players were crucial, Payne said Group 6 was also well served by halfback Matt Thorpe (Mittagong) and five-eighth Jesse Dee (Moss Vale).
Standouts for Group 7 included fullback Joel Roberts (Gerringong), five-eighth Steve Brandon (Nowra-Bomaderry) and Damien Paulissen (Warilla-Lake South).
After losing 22-24 in last year's corresponding clash, Group Six gained their revenge.
"We didn't control the ball in the second half and lacked discipline at crucial times, giving away penalties on the third and fourth tackle," Group 7 coach Peter Hooper said.
"We didn't get any possession and continuity.
"We'd get a couple of sets in a row then we'd have an error or penalty, little things like that, that was the difference."
The game was a selection trial for the Greater Southern Region team to be coached by Hooper in the Country Championships.
Following the game, senior players from Group 6, Group 7 and Group 16 were named in the 2015 Greater Southern Stars Senior Representative team.
Group 7 players Roberts, Jonathon Dallas (Jamberoo), Nathan Ford (Gerringong), Aaron Henry (Warilla-Lake South), Mark Walsh (Warilla-Lake South), Josh Toohey (Kiama) and Harold Snell (Shellharbour City) were included in the squad.
