Junior rugby union has started with the Reef Raiders under 12s and under 14s kicking off last week.

The Under 12s travelled to Cairns to play a scratch match against Brothers at short notice. All the boys had no training time before the game, with the side was thrown together on the night; some players new to the game and a few short.

The boys got to business of playing rugby union and did a great job despite the lack of practice, going down two tries to one to a well-drilled Brothers side.

Brothers scored right from the kick off and then another not long after.  Then the Raiders woke up and dominated the rest of the game. It was a great start from the Raiders, and with some training, it looks like it will be a great season from the Under 12s.

It was too hard to pick a man of the match award, as it was a great team effort right across the paddock by all players.

We are still looking for any interested Under-12 boys out there to join in a great fun sport.

Meanwhile, the Under-14s started the season with a great win 45 to nil, over Trinity Anglican School’s White Rock side.

There were a lot of new boys in the side, who showed they could adapt to rugby union quite easily, which made the team look like they had played together for a while.

With a bit more training and knowledge they will be in finals contention. Cleaning out at the break down, hard runs, good passing to the backs and dead eye goal kicking showed the boys have what it takes to win.

Our next game is a home game at Raider Park on Friday, October 18.

The Under-12s kick off at 6.30pm against Atherton, and the Under-14s follow at 7.30pm, also against Atherton.

Scrum on down and watch the Junior Raiders Rugby!