Riverina’s best young talent proved too strong for Monaro in the under 17s clash at Equex Centre on Friday.
Riverina jumped out to an early lead when Jeremy Wiscombe dived over from dummy half after six minutes and were never headed.
Monaro fought back in the second half, but the team made up of the best juniors from Group Nine and Group 20 took a 28-20 win.
Coach Jarrod Crane was impressed with the effort.
“It was really good to get a look at some of the talent on show in the Riverina,” Crane said.
“They are all vying for a spot in the Academy which makes my job very hard after coming away with a win.”
Monaro hit back through Zane Bijorac before tries to Jordan Little and Tomasi Baravilala gave Riverina a 18-8 lead at the break.
They then went out to a 24-8 lead before Monaro closed to within four points with seven minutes left.
Moses Lolohea sealed the win with 90 seconds left.
