by Denise McHugh

The Junior Raiders had their first game of the season on Friday night and travelled to Cairns to play Innisfail in three grades.

The U16 had a bye in their first week but will be fired up to play a home game on Friday 14 October.

The first outing for the Under 10s was a great effort from a side that is still learning. They showed great character and team work and worked well together to bring about a 40 to zip win.

Under 12 Raiders kicked off their season well with a grinding 24 – 15 win against a bigger opposition in the Innisfail Vikings. The Raiders defended extremely well in the opening 15 minutes and when the Vikings made a mistake, the Raiders made them pay with their first points on the board.

The players showed great attitude, holding onto the lead for the entire game. The opposition made a late comeback but could not break the Raiders spirited defense.

Raiders Under 14s are back to great form, playing like they have in the past - as a premiership team. The game against Innisfail was a rematch of the 2009 grand final and both teams had long memories.

The Raiders were short but were helped out by boys from TAS and Barron Trinity. The game was hard and the Raiders matched the opposition throughout the whole game but, with no reserves, tired in the final minutes to let the Vikings in.  The Raiders lost by one try.

All teams will welcome extra players but especially in the Under 16s and Under 14s. Come along to training on Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm at the Mossman Showgrounds.

A home game this Friday 14 October at the Raiders grounds in Port Douglas will see all four grades playing against TAS. All are welcome to join in cheering on the Junior Raiders from 5pm. 

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