Vic Country trailed arch-rival Vic Metro by a point when the final siren sounded at Simonds Stadium in Geelong, but Jy Simpkin converted a shot from point-blank range after the siren to give the side an unlikely win.

The final score was Vic Country 11.7 (73) to Vic Metro 10.8 (68).

Neither Berry or Tucker played their best games in the win, but did enough to help their side across the line.

Berry in particular was important, with two goals playing on a half-forward flank.

AFL Victoria Country talent manager Phil Partington said both would take something from their performances.

‘‘Jarrod started on the flank and kicked a couple of important goals for us,’’ he said.

‘‘He didn’t have a standout game, but he was calm and collected when he had the footy in his hands which was good.

‘‘Darcy probably had a poor game by his standards, but he’s moved on pretty quickly after the game and is just concentrating on this week’s game.

‘‘He knows he was only down in form for one game, so he’ll put it behind him pretty quickly.’’

Tucker, who captains the North Ballarat Rebels in TAC Cup competition, was named All Australian as a bottom-age player at last year’s under-18 championships.

Berry is competing in his first under-18 championships after excelling at under-16 level last year.

Partington said the win was a great way for Vic Country to start the championships.

‘‘To get over the line with the last kick of the day – actually after the siren – was pretty exciting for the Vic Country boys,’’ he said.

‘‘It was a very tight game throughout and the boys played probably their best in the last three minutes of the game which got us over the line.

‘‘Beating Metro in round one is a good start to our carnival, so hopefully we’ll continue it in the next four or five games.’'