Hosting the favourites of the 2010 season, JCU Mariners, the Port Douglas Raiders had a big challenge to overcome judging by their recent performances.  But following the trends of past season’s Port Douglas have found some continuity and will build to a strong finish to  the season.

A delay to the start of proceedings due to the limited access to the tourist town, the Mariners were not prepared to take things lightly and came with the respect of the Raiders home ground and knowledge of their expected change of fortune.

The return of workaholic No.8 and Captain Adam Calcraft was evident as the forward pack was more competitive in set plays and was visibly in tune in general.

Former Mareeba league product Grant Payne was enthusiastic at Fly-half showcasing his talents and directing his backline accordingly in his first outing in the code.

JCU scored three converted tries in the first half with the Raiders crossing the line twice, Calcraft and Payne with Payne able to convert only one of his attempts to go to the break trailing 18-12.

The Mariners dominated the scoreboard in the second spell with three more unanswered tries, though Port Douglas was competitive but lost possession at crucial times and the scrambling defence of the Mariners kept the Raiders from crossing the line in a passionate final 10 minute effort, ending the game at 38-12.

Rob Bentun, Sam Forsyth and Kyle Lemon all put in formidable showings and Halfback Tom Seynard gave the forwards better direction at the ruck and clean service to Payne.

The Raiders will begin the second round of games at home next Saturday against the Wanderers with a 3pm kick off.