The Rattle n Hum Reef Raiders headed to West Barlow in Cairns on Saturday to take on JCU in the knock out semi final.

The Raiders were put to the test in taking on the reigning premiers from 2011 but were confident of going deeper into the finals. However, within the first 15 minutes of the kick off JCU came out firing and made the Raiders work hard for the ball and stretched their defence which saw JCU take a 14 point lead early.

To the Raiders' credit they kept fighting, and with some better field position they posted their first points through a weaving run by Ethan Hoffman. At the break JCU led 14 to 7.

The break saw the Raiders full of confidence and keen to get first points on the board, but it was a half of end to end attack with both teams getting to the try line but no one crossing for the first 10 minutes of the half.

Back to back mistakes cost the Raiders again which saw JCU cross for another 7 pointer. Not to be out done the Raiders hit back and kept the margin to only a converted try.  With a penalty in front and the Raiders with some great field position, they put themselves in position to take the match.

Due to some decisions and precise kicking for touch, JCU posted another try and put the game out of reach it seemed. But to the boys' credit they never gave up and put the final try on the board to Paul Ferrero.

With the whistle blown for full time JCU ended the Raiders 2012 year by 33 points to 22.

The Raiders put in a very gallant effort on the day and were probably the better side for 50 minutes of the game but just couldn't get across the line.

The players that stood out on the day were Paul Ferrero who was solid all day in defence and attack, and Ethan Hoffman who played his best game for the Raiders to date. It was with great courage as he played on with ligament damage in his foot done early in the first half.

But the Port Douglas laundry man of the finals went to the captain in Simon Chick who was everywhere in attack and defence and the game could have probably been a lot worst if it wasn't for his huge 80 minutes.

The coach was disappointed with the result but happy with the year, for the biggest losing margin of the year was 18 points. In past years there has been 40 or 50 points posted against the Raiders.

The year produced some very good local young talent in Liam Cowe, Ethan Hoffman and Luke Humphries that should see the Raiders be a force in future years.

The committee and players would like to thank all our sponsors and supporters who helped or watched the Raiders in 2012 and hopefully next year will be the year of the Raiders.