In the lead up to their crucial European Championship B clash with Italy this weekend, the Serbian Rugby League Federation held their annual Origin Cup and Test trial, with Belgrade City beating Serbia Country 24-22, at the Heroj stadium in the capital.

Country’s Dragan Jankovic broke the deadlock in the sixth minute with an unconverted try in the right corner, Belgrade levelling through Djordje Gak’s touchdown and taking the lead when Andrej Mora crossed, Stefan Nikolic adding the extras. Country hit back with a Nikola Stanišic solo try, but in form Stevan Stevanovic, playing at stand off, scored his first four-pointer in 36th minute, Nikolić converting. A minute before the break, Country hooker Mile Podkoljnjak reduced the deficit, Dzavid Jašari successful with the goal to level matters at 14-all.

The second half started with a quick converted try by Stevanovic but again Serbia Country struck back almost instantly when Jankovic also claimed his second score. Defences dominated until Miloš Calic broke free and gave Belgrade a six points advantage with 13 minutes to go, Nikolic’s miss at goal giving Country a chance to draw level.

In the final minute, full back Vladislav Dedic went over to make it five tries each but his conversion just went wide and Belgrade hung on for a second succive win in the series which they now lead overall. Serbia’s national team coach Marko Jankovic was satisfied with the form of potential candidates for the match in Italy.