Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

Port Douglas 17 Southside 17

Unable to execute when it mattered most, the Port Douglas Reef Raiders rugby union team had to settle for their second draw this season after sharing the honours 17-17 with Southside at the Port Douglas Sporting Complex on Saturday.

The Raiders enjoyed territorial advantage and dominated the game for lengthy periods, but their efforts were tempered by conceding too many penalties and on a few occasions making the wrong decision.

Full marks to Southside who defended well throughout the game and cut down many of Raiders’ try-scoring opportunities.

“We have a number of new combinations this season that are taking time to gel, but once we do, we feel the results will start happening for us.

“Top performers from the weekend were Andrew Pena, Jack Murday and William Brown,” said Raiders coach Travis Gooch.

The Raiders led 10-7 at half-time. Their points came from tries by Esteban Correa and Luke Edwards, who also added two conversions and a penalty.

The Raiders are away to Brothers at Stan Williams Park on Saturday (4pm), and then are at home for their next three matches: June 5 v JCU; June 12 v Barron and June 26 v Brothers (all 4pm kick-off).

Other scores from the weekend:
Barron 46 Brothers 12
JCU 32 Wanderers 24