A SPELL of impressive defensive work has boosted Cities to a victory over reigning premiers Chinchilla in round one of the Roma and District rugby league competition.

Cities made the trip down the Warrego Highway to Chinchilla on Saturday and ran out onto Bulldog Park ready to tackle the defending champions into the ground.

And that is exactly what they did.

Coach Robbie McDonald said his side showed remarkable defensive strength to keep Chinchilla at bay for much of the game.

"It was the best 55 minutes of defence I've seen in a long while," he said.

"It was just awesome to watch."

On the back of their unbreakable defensive wall, Cities shot to a 26-0 lead before the home side capitalised on some ill-discipline from Roma and closed the gap in the second half.

But the Bulldogs were not able to run down the Cities steam train, who won the game 32-28.

Mr McDonald said the effort the squad have put in over the preseason paid off.

"It all came down to our fitness," he said.

"We have done some really good work and it was good to see it come together.

"Buddha Blake at five-eighth and captain Kev Rule were both outstanding for us."

Cities now have a break until April 22 when they take on the Bed Bulls in Surat.