by Paul Cook - It was perhaps fitting that a competition that began a little over 10 weeks ago with a Brisbane City win at Ballymore, ended in the same fashion last night as City saw off a resolute and adventurous Perth Spirit, 37-26, to lift the inaugural NRC title. A touch under 8,000 people, a competition record, turned up to cheer on the home side and their faith was rewarded by a performance worthy of the occasion. City’s power up front ultimately did the damage, a dominant scrum earning a penalty try and milking plenty of penalties to provide the platform for their dazzling backs to shine as they won their ninth game of the campaign to become champions. A see-sawing first half saw the sides share six tries as Spirit took the game to their hosts with some terrific counter attacking flair but it was City who led 24-21 at the break