SPORTS teams languishing at the bottom of a league table have a lot to play for and this will clearly be the major focus when the Reef Raiders host the Cairns Wanderers in this rugby union clash at the Port Douglas Sports Complex on Saturday at 4pm.

And Raiders coach Stewart Cowe said this week that Saturday’s game provides the ideal opportunity for his team to record their first win of the season. The Wanderers sit one above the wooden-spoonist Raiders on the league table.

“If we can continue where we left off last week against the Mudcrabs; if we can produce another 80-minute performance and put our possession to good use, we have every chance of winning,” he said.

Last week, the Raiders only conceded three tries against the reigning premiers Mudcrabs losing 17-7.

“This was a great game of rugby and every member of the team can be proud of how well they acquitted themselves. We went into this match with a point to prove: and by taking the game to the Mudcrabs, we surprised many who thought this would be a one-way affair,” said Cowe.

“Had we been more liberal with our passes and released the ball at key moments, we would have scored at least one more try,” he said.

Cowe agreed the Raiders must apply ‘scoreboard pressure’ and any penalty within goalable distance should be taken. “This is something we have not done this season and we need to take advantage of any opportunity we get. We have a reliable goalkicker in Chase Hay and we need to use him more,” said Cowe.

The Wanderers have won two and drawn two of their 10 games and in June, beat the Raiders 32-12 at Evans Park.

“The players are excited about the game and are quietly confident they can pull off a win. If we can get off to a positive start; build on that; maintain our discipline and not be greedy, it will allow us to build the right foundation for victory,” said Cowe.

Liam Cowe (cracked bone in his hand) is a doubtful starter for Saturday’s clash while James Kelleher, who was originally not available for the rest of the season, is now expected to come off the bench