The liberal flow of champagne at the Port Douglas sports complex on Saturday would have been the ideal celebratory quencher had the Reef Raiders rugby union team capitalised on their scoring opportunities against James Cook University (JCU).

Instead, the hosts had to settle for a 17-10 defeat after leading 10-5 at the break.

But the festivities made up for a match that had its moments, through injuries to both teams; and open rugby which could have produced more tries had both sides held on to their passes at crucial stages.

Ladies Day highlighted events along with the unveiling of The Drew Kerswell Memorial Scoreboard, in honour of Drew, who a few years ago broke his neck playing rugby and then died sometime afterwards.

It was fitting that Drew’s father, Dick, was present to unveil the electronic scoreboard along with Heather Beck, representing MP Warren Entsch who was unable to attend, and Reef Raiders president Donnie Murday.

“We received a grant from the Stronger Communities Program, Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia, for the installation of the scoreboard.“

And the club thanks Mr Entsch and the Cairns Community Enterprise assessment committee who identified the project eligible for funding under the Stronger Communities Program,” said Murday.

In the first half, Rory McHugh and Shane Branch crossed over for unconverted tries; and in the same period the Raiders lost James Kelleher through injury and JCU replied with a try. The Raiders led 10-5 at half-time.

In the final half, JCU drew level in the 11th minute shortly after McHugh was carried off the field with an injury (10-10) and a converted try in the 25th minute put them ahead for the first time in the match (17-10).

With 10 minutes remaining, the Raiders had a golden opportunity to square the match when they won clean ball under JCU’s posts. But a crucial pass went begging, JCU kicked ahead the loose ball and a certain try was missed.

The Raiders can be satisfied with their performance and with a bye this weekend because of the Mighty Mossman Show, they should be fresh and motivated for their clash against the Mudcrabs on July 30.