Raiders nab win with dominating display

Port Douglas Reef Raiders 38 (17) Barron Trinity Bulls 17 (7)

The Port Douglas Reef Raiders not only made amends for earlier losses, they produced a stylish display beating Barron Trinity Bulls 38-17 at the sports complex on Saturday. The Raiders led 17-7 at halftime.

It was the result the club was looking for and in fielding 23 players – the first time this season - everything fell into place culminating in a five-try spree and a penalty try.

The backs dominated the try scorers via Andrew Pena (centre), Luke Edwards (flyhalf), Dave Haywood (wing), Trazane Cobb (fullback) and Richard Johnston (scrumhalf).

Flyhalf Luke Edwards converted three tries.

The penalty try was awarded after a Raiders break from within their own half. Fullback Cobb kicked ahead and in the race for the ball in the in-goal area, Raiders centre Esteban Correa was pushed in the back and off the ball in what would have been a certain Raiders try. The referee did not hesitate to award a penalty try.

It was clearly the Raiders best performance this season. The hosts were solid on defence and in attacking the Barron line, the five tries was testament to their ability to giving the ball lots of air.

“It was a proud effort in front of our home crowd and showed what we can achieve with this group of players.

“We were able to name a full complement of 23 players for the first time this season and it proved the difference with guys coming off the bench and making an immediate impact,” said Raiders coach Travis Gooch.  

Top performers from the weekend were lock William Brown, flyhalf Luke Edwards and scrumhalf Richard Johnston.

The Raiders have a bye this weekend. Their next match is at home to Cairns Brothers at 4pm on 26 June. Brothers are currently bottom of the table.

Other results:

Wanderers 35 Brothers 10
JCU 63 Southside 0