The Rattle and Hum Reef Raiders travelled to Cairns to play their first game of the year on the weekend against Wanderers, and with two reserves players on the bench and a hot afternoon expected, it looked to be a long day at the office for the Raiders.

But it was all one way traffic for the Raiders in the first 10 minutes with Grae Gilbert scoring under the posts thanks to a well weighted chip kick by Simon Chick.

Grant Payne then sprinting 60 meters to finish off a back line movement that went from one side to the other.

However, for the next 20 minutes the Raiders took their foot off the gas and let Wanderers back in the game. Then, just before halftime, Simon Chick went over to give the Raiders a two try advantage at the half.

The second half was bit of a struggle with Paul Ferrero going off due to his ear being ripped off his head and the boys growing tired due to the heat.

The Raiders put on two more tries with Grae scoring again from another perfectly judged kick from Simon Chick and he also finished off the game by scoring on the hooter thanks to a beautiful pop pass by Josh Mezger.

The Coach was happy with the win due to the number of players unavailable, and conceding just one try. However, we were very patchy in some parts and there is plenty to work on.

The players that stood out for the Raiders were Luke Humphries (who played his first game every at senior level as well as the Raiders), Grant Payne who played his best game for the team yet, and particularly captain and new dad Kyle Lemon who took the Paddys' Player of the Day.

The next game is on Friday night at 7.30 at West Barlow in Cairns and it will be a big test against Barron Trinity Bulls who are expected to win the comp this year.

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