from local rugby did not disappoint a large Nationals crowd on Friday.

In an excellent curtain-raiser for the World Rugby Classic matches which followed, it was the Onions who pulled off a dramatic 17-15 victory with just minutes to spare.

The Rest started strongly with forward pressure allowing flanker Dave Bird to crash over under the posts early on. Captain Keith Beattie declined to take any kicks at goal during the match, setting the tone for this annual exhibition of local talent.

However, when the Rest were penalised for killing the ball in front of the posts, Andre Simons did not hesitate in slotting over for three points.

Bird pounced for a second try then Simons missed a penalty attempt to end the half.

Immediately after the restart, Gareth Davies worked a neat blind side move with Bird who galloped over from 15 metres to complete his hat-trick.

Onions giants Ashley Redmond and Troy Glasgow dominated line-out play to set up veteran Mike Montgomery, who dived over to score in the corner. Simons successfully converted.

Ferocious rucking from both sides proved club loyalties counted for little in this fixture.

Simons provided an exciting finish when he rounded off a flowing move to score wide out -- his touchline conversion finally putting the Onions in front.

With just seconds left, the Rest again declined to take a kickable penalty attempt, and Gavin Corcoran and Dave Conway both squandered chances to clinch the game.