Raiders' winning ways continue

Port Douglas Reef Raiders 28 (21) Brothers 12 (0)

Defending champions Port Douglas Reef Raiders secured their second spot on the Rainforestation Cup when they defeated Brothers 28-12 at the weekend in what was also their fifth win on the trot.

It was a more resilient and determined Brothers who lost 27-12 in their first encounter with the Raiders and then failed to field a team in the next fixture and the Raiders benefited from a 36-0 bonus point win.

They made every effort to make a game of it and from the outset applied constant pressure and the Raiders were forced to defend their try line on numerous occasions.

But when the Raiders finally obtained possession, they capitalised and scored three converted tries.

First, fullback Letcher cut through the defence to score; after a break down the right hand touch line, wing

Jamie Quinn enjoyed the open space and raced away to score; and just before halftime, and following a lineout 10m out from the try line, eighthman and captain Jack Murday took possession at the driving maul, and then hooker Damien Friedrichs broke off the back to dive over. This gave Raiders a 21-0 half time lead.

Despite the deficit, Brothers fought back and scored twice in the final half. Replacement prop Thaddius Minniecon scored Raiders’ fourth and final try. Flyhalf Edwards converted all four tries.

Friedrichs, flank Richard Johnston and scrumhalf Wayne Oui produced standout performances.
With seven, Letcher is the Raiders’ leading try scorer and Edwards has amassed 88 points thus far this season.

This weekend, the Raiders meet Southside at Petersen Park, Cairns at 5:30pm. This will be subject to any lockdown restrictions in Cairns.

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Other Scores:
Barron 20 JCU 19
Wanderers 43 Southside 30

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