It was another really good night for rugby as the cool spring nights continue, a little warmer than last week, but still perfect for rugby.

The Raiders have played well enough to have a 3-0 record for this season and have pulled together well under the practice regime with the Mareeba contingent travelling once a week to Mossman for training.

Having had a good battle against Barron two weeks ago and coming away with a 7-5 hard fought win in a close encounter, this was going to test their mettle.

It was a game of two very different halves.  It started with a five minute period where both sides tried to gain ascendency.  Raiders seemed to click into gear first, and spent the remainder of the half inside Barron’s territory.

While they kept pushing for the line the Barron defence held out well. The Raiders’ best chance came about ten minutes before half time when they received a penalty just outside the Barron 22 on the right side.

They elected to run it as they had nearly penetrated a few times and backed themselves again. It was easily kickable, but the tap and go failed and they went to the half 0-0.
 
Barron must have had a good discussion at the break and came out with more urgency. It did not take them long to get into the Raiders' half and they stayed there for the rest of the game.

The roles were reversed and the Raiders' defence held the waves of Barron attacks off. A shoulder charge by the Raiders right wing on one of the Barron players saw him sent to the sin bin for ten minutes.

This was critical and gave Barron the much needed edge, breeching the line in the far right corner. 5-0 with seven minutes to go. The kick was unsuccessful and the pressure was on.

The Raiders turned up the response and spent the last two minutes pushing, but were kept out. The final effort saw the Raiders have the chance right under posts after good lead up driving, rucking and mauling play, but ended with a dropped ball right on the line as the final whistle went.
 
Oh so close, but a good game to watch. Looking forward to next week already. The team played well again but just couldn’t get over the line. Thanks again to Port Putt Putt for the Man of the Match award which went to Sean Foster.