Another convincing Raiders win

Port Douglas Reef Raiders 31 (7) Wanderers (5) 5

Defending Rainforestation Cup champion, Port Douglas Reef Raiders, have turned their fortunes around over the past two weeks with convincing wins over the top-of-the-table teams.

This past weekend they followed up on their 37-24 victory over log leaders JCU Mariners by beating Wanderers 31-5.

Wanderers held a firm grip in the opening stanza and Raiders had to be satisfied with a 7-5 lead at the break.

Their sole first half points came following a break on the outside with wing Jamie Quinn running 30m down field before passing inside to centre Sonny Rea who scored under the posts.

Wanderers hit back not long after with a try of their own. They dominated the scrum and after numerous penalties at scrum time, Raiders pop Clint Kachel was given a yellow card.

But this changed in the final 40 minutes when Raiders held on to the ball for longer periods and they were duly rewarded with four tries, and five for the match. In this half they ensured Wanderers were scoreless.

Against a tiring Wanderers team, Raiders were able to create a lot more space. Raiders’ skill and fitness levels were key factors in two of their tries.

Lock Adrian Bannerman displayed great footwork to side step two players and score untouched. Their final try was launched well within their half following a scrum 10m out from the Raiders try line. The ball was passed through the backs and centre Dereck Letcher beat the last two defenders before racing away to score under the posts.

This coming weekend Raiders play Southside at the sporting complex. Kick-off is 5:30pm.

Raiders’ points came from tries by wing Jamie Quinn, centre Sonny Rea, fullback Cole Watson, lock Adrian Bannerman and centre Dereck Letcher. Quinn added three conversions.

Stand-out performers were wing Quinn, prop Thaddius Minniecon and centre Letcher.