Port Douglas 27 Brothers 12

After successive draws, the Port Douglas Reef Raiders bounced back to beat Brothers 27-12 at Stan Williams Park on Saturday. Raiders led 8-7 at half-time.

Raiders dominated the first 40 minutes with a greater share of possession and territorial advantage. However, they were unable to capitalise.

They made amends in the latter half and scored three more tries which secured their first victory of the season. Raiders are currently fourth on the table, while JCU Mariners have a healthy 23 points at the top of the ladder.    

The Raiders were also plagued with injury and had to contend with 14 players for an extended period.

“It was pleasing to get the win after two draws. We now have a bye weekend before three consecutive games at home,” said Raiders coach Travis Gooch.

The drawn matches were against Southside (17-17) and Barron Trinity Bulls (27-27). 

Their next three matches are: June 5 v JCU; June 12 v Barron and June 26 v Brothers (all 4pm kick-off at the Port Douglas Sports Complex).

Raiders’ points came from tries by prop Cam Scott, flyhalf Esteban Correa and fullback Cole Watson (2). Wing Jamie Quinn added two conversions and a penalty.

Top performers were Rodrigo Larranaga, Damien Fredrichs, Matt Mallard and Darcy Cotton.

Other scores from the weekend:

Wanderers 23 Southside 22

JCU 33 Barron 17