By Esrom Lafituanai

After forfeiting their final pre season fixture due to a large number of unavailable players, the Port Douglas Raiders were always going to start their season on the back foot against the Wanderers, who come off the back of a narrow loss to JCU Mariners in the pre season final.

Scheduled to begin the 2010 campaign at home, Port Douglas agreed to have the match transferred to Mann Street in Cairns giving the Wanderers an advantage they thieved upon handing the Raiders a 42-7 thrashing and a nightmare opening on Saturday afternoon.

Played in the heat that only North Queensland can offer, the Wanderers were ruthless in their approach, and punished their guest’s for their unforced errors and were virtually unchallenged for the whole first half and raced out to a 28 nil lead at the break.

Under the guidance of new coach Hori Russell, who was quick to outline some major flaws, but reassured the Raiders confidence pointing out the few positives they had produced. Russell encouraged them to simplify their efforts and play a little smarter to compensate for the conditions and using up unnecessary energy.

Although Port Douglas began the second spell with more gusto, they still allowed the Wanderers to score twice more through some non committed efforts and lack of experience. The Raiders did finish on a positive note scoring in the dying minutes through last years Most Improved Forward playing in the new role of Open Side Flanker Kyle Lemon, which was successfully converted by First Five and league convert Todd Funch to end the game 42-7.

In the absence of Sam Batty and Adam Calcraft, Captain Stu Cowe was upbeat with the potential the side had to offer despite the one sided affair. Newcomers Funch and Half Back Thomas Seynard had pleasing showings as did reserve forward Jeremy Brown with some barnstorming runs and brutal tackles. Sam Forsyth was awarded Man of the Match in his first game for the Raiders after only two weeks in Australia; Lemon illustrated his outstanding talents to be gifted two points and playing at Lock Tim Sladden earned one point for his solid display.

Next Saturday the Port Douglas Raiders have their first home game against 2009 Premiers Barron Trinity Bulls. With the return of Adam Calcraft and Nick Sherston from Cairns Thunder duties, the pair will add some stability to an ever improving side. Kick off is set for 3pm though due to the stifling heat are trying to have it delayed for a twilight commencement.