The Reef Raiders travelled down to Smithfield on Saturday to take on the reigning premiers JCU.

The Raiders put pressure on JCU right from the kick off with the team getting great field position from strong defence.

The Raiders had two early opportunities but were denied by the side line and scrambling defence, but 10 minutes of pressure saw Phil Stewart crash over for the first try.

The boys then made some great in roads into JCU's defence with some running rugby and pin point kicks which turned the opposition around and saw the raiders rewarded with a penalty.

But the Raiders then made a few back to back errors - one was talking back to the ref which give JCU great field position where they took the maximum points from the Raiders' line.

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With 10 minutes left in the half the Raiders hit back and took control of the ball where Phil scored his second try for the Raiders, and at the half time break the raiders led 17-7.

The second half saw a complete reversal of the first with JCU having the majority of the field position for 30 minutes but only great cover defence and bad ball handling saw the Raiders hold strong.

It wasn't until the last 10 minutes that any points scored which went to the Raiders' captain Simon Chick. But it was the forwards who provided the platform for the 24 to 7 win.

JCU were unable to break the Raiders' line for 60 minutes which was the most pleasing thing for the Raiders' coach.

The players that stood out this week were Ethan Hoffman who, every time he touched the ball, looked dangerous. Disco Stew was a stand out in the forwards and it was Cameron Smith at hooker whose throwing and scrumming earned him man of the match.

Next week will see the Raiders take on Wanderers at home. A win will see them push up and hold onto second spot. Kick off will be 3pm.