Reef Raiders humbled by superior JCU Mariners
RUGBY UNION
THE Port Douglas Reef Raiders rugby union team met their match on Saturday at the sporting complex losing 57-3 to JCU Mariners, who led 33-3 at the break.
Sitting near the top of the table, the vastly superior Mariners ran in nine tries, six of which were converted.
The Mariners’ superior pack and slick backline, along with dominating possession and territorial advantage, was the key to their victory. They applied relentless pressure on their younger and less experienced opposition, who were fielding two junior players.
The Raiders, who took an early lead after a Grae Gilbert penalty in the 12th minute, deserve praise for a spirited performance.
The battled solidly for the full 80 minutes to withstand a power pack, who regularly pushed them off their ball in the tight phases. And along with their tight defence, the Mariners provided limited opportunities for the hosts.
Raiders scrumhalf Juan Dillan was enterprising and full of ideas at the base of the scrum, although he was hampered playing behind a beaten pack.
The Raiders coach David Pearse acknowledged the Mariners’ superiority, but in his typical upbeat way, said his team will take a lot from the game.
The Port Douglas team is away to the Barron-Trinity Bulls at the University grounds on Saturday at 3.30pm.
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