Raiders in top spot and claim first minor premiership
RUGBY UNION
Rugby Union in Port has received a significant boost with the Port Douglas Reef Raiders not only cementing their spot at the top of the Rainforestation Cup table at the end of the regular season; they have won the first Minor Premiership in the club’s 21-year history.
This was achieved thanks to a 53-21 thrashing of Brothers at the weekend and scoring nine tries to three.
The try scorers for the Raiders were: Trazane Cobb 3, Toa Rea 2, Shana Aue, Matt Mallard, Esteban Correa, Cole Watson. Tomas Venter added four conversions.
Raiders coach Travis Gooch said the team knew what was at stake; they produced a clinical display and the nine tries is testament to this performance.
“This is also a very proud moment for the club: from being unable to field a team just three seasons ago to minor premiers is an outstanding achievement from everyone involved,” said Gooch.
This weekend the Raiders return to Cairns to face Brothers again in the first week of the Finals.
How the first round of finals work:
- 1 v 6 Port Douglas vs Brothers
- 2 v 5 Wanderers vs Mudcrabs
- 3 v 4 JCU vs Barron
The three winners and the highest placed loser advance to the semi-finals.
“Finishing on top of the table means we have earned an extra life and cannot be eliminated in the first round of finals; however, we will be looking to keep the winning momentum going heading into the weeks ahead,” said Gooch.