by Kerry Larsen

The Douglas Reef Raiders could be in CDRU finals contention after staging an amazing comeback to draw with league heavy-weights, JCU Mariners, on Saturday at Port Douglas.

The Raiders disregarded JCU’s 21-5 half time lead at Port Douglas Sports Complex to claw their way back to a 26-all final scoreline.

The Mariners gave away eight consecutive penalties at one stage, the Raiders cashing in on the visitor’s mistakes to turn the game around and score a crucial try in the dying stages of the game to seal the win.

It was a welcome result for the Raiders after a series of disappointing results at home, and provided the perfect celebration for ladies day festivities.

Raiders’ premiership player, Shane Branch, says the result keeps the Raiders in the top four behind Southside, JCU and Barron Trinity, and ahead of Brothers.

“It was all about putting a game plan onto the field and getting 100% at the break-down,” he said.

Branch scored the opening try for the Raiders, and was ably backed by Tom Seynard, with good held from the new Kiwi imports.

The Raiders’ next game is against the bottom-placed Wanderers this Saturday at Port Douglas Sports Complex at 3.30pm.