The Reef Raiders showed they’ve put last week’s loss firmly behind them, with an eight-point win over James Cook University’s Mariners in Saturday’s rugby union clash.

The Raiders tested new line-out plays with success, and plan to keep developing before the next round. With hard work, the team could develop the competition’s best line-out. Efforts during the week to correct the kick chase that conceded two late tries last week paid off in the fast-paced game. In a measure of the quality of play, the first scrum wasn’t set until the twenty-first minute of the first half.

Both teams seemed evenly matched during the first half, with JCU scoring two converted tries to the Raider Jordan Marsh’s one. The Raiders continued to push forward, crossing a further three times only to be held up or have the try disallowed touch in goal.

Obviously motivated by half-time talk, Port commanded the second. Forceful in attack and unforgiving in defence, the Raiders efforts paid off with a penalty and subsequent three points. Spurred on by a four-point lead, players combined for a Pete Gilmour try. Hungry for more, Gilmour controlled the ball with chip kicking, ball chasing and toeing before getting hands on as he dove over the line in a tackle. Grae converted, and the Raiders maintained a 17-14 lead. With just over twenty minutes to play, Jordan Crossing attempted his second try from the corner, but wasn’t able to convert. With twenty minutes to play, the Raiders had a handy six point lead 22-14.

The Raiders stood their ground, even as with impressive goal line defence standing up to JCU’s last run to overturn the score.

Best on Ground points went to Jordan Marsh (3), Cam Smith (2) and Clint Kachel (1).

The Reef Raiders will face Barron River at home on Saturday, May 25.