Playing at Wallendbeen’s Barry Grace Oval, the Tricolours finished 43-14.

Coach Mark Elia said the team was looking sharper and more dangerous with the ball on the day.

The Tricolours were boosted by the return of the club’s more experienced players and two recruits from New Zealand.

Pita Herangi, who scored two tries, and Mikaera Smylie joined the team as they go holidaying around Australia.

“I convinced them to come to Cootamundra to play some rugby first,” Elia said.

He said the two players had plenty of experience having played club rugby in Auckland.

Together with Alex Hardie, Charlie Booth and Sam Bush getting a run plus Bob Scott, Elia said the team had good energy were able to build a 12 point lead going into half-time.

“We struggled coming into this but with the extra people we improved our defence, looked a bit sharper and were dangerous in attack,” Elia said.

While Canowindra roared back into contention in the second half with a try, Elia said the Tricolours kicked away and extended their lead.

“Hopefully it kick starts us a little bit,” Elia said.

“Matt Berkrey was the star, with a couple of tries and five goals.”

Berkrey crossed the line twice in the second half, slotted three conversions and a penalty goal in the first half.

This weekend will be another home game for the Tricolours at Wallendbeen and they will play West Wyalong.

In their last match, West Wyalong defeated Grenfell by 20 points, a side that Cootamundra lost to in April.

While Elia recognised it would be another test for the Tricolours he was confident the players would be competitive on Saturday.

Cootamundra 43 (Bob Scott, Ash Hamilton, Pita Herangi 2, Matt Berkrey 2 tries; Berkrey 4 goals) d Canowindra 14