Monday 27 May 2013

Saturday’s game against Barron Trinity saw the Raiders start very flat, a trend for much of the year, which must change if the outcome of the season is to be as desired.

A lift in intensity at training this week must be taken on to the park on Saturday from the first minute of the game until the last minute, if the Raiders are to beat competition leaders and favourites Southside.

The first half of Saturday’s game was a mix of missed opportunities by the Raiders, with poor discipline at the breakdown and not playing to the whistle costing the team 14 points.

It's not an excuse though, because it happens both ways, but there were some glaring errors made by match officials, which saw players wrongly assume an outcome and pay the price

Needless to say, the first 60 minutes of the game saw the Raiders down by 41 points to 5 - a shocking result on the back of Barron playing our game plan effectively against us. However, with a fire suddenly lit the last twenty minutes, the pride of the team shone through, with a massive lift in intensity resulting in three unanswered tries and two conversions.

The final score was 41 -24 - a game not to be forgotten for the bonus point gained, and lessons learned.

Tries to Clint Kachel, James Thomas, Jordan Marsh and Adrian Bannerman. Two conversions to Dallas Abel.

The three points went to James Thomas (Jumbi), two to Paul Ferrero and one to Simon Chic.

This week’s game is now a must win for the Raiders, a tough ask with injuries to key players Adam Calcraft (broken finger) and Grae Gilbert (corked thigh).

Reserve grade kicks off at 2:30pm and Raiders at 4pm.