Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

The Port Douglas Reef Raiders rugby union team have picked up a pre-season trophy after winning the Hambo 10s tournament at the weekend.

Hosted annually by Southside Rugby Club in Cairns, the Raiders defeated Barron 19-7 in the final of this 10-player-a-side tournament which plays two 10-minute halves.

Southside, Barron, Penrhyn & Northern Beaches Mudcrabs were the other teams who participated.

In the pool matches, the Raiders beat Southside 17-14; drew 12-12 with Barron; beat the Mudcrabs 35-0 and Penrhyn 38-7.

Now into his second year, coach Travis Gooch was delighted with the overall result.

“It's obviously a great way to start things off and gives us a good platform to build from. The new players we have picked up all performed well so that was very pleasing.

“This weekend we host the Lightning 15s tournament so that will be another step up for the boys before the season gets underway,” he said.