The Canberra Raiders NYC team has been blown away by the West Tigers 46-16 following a dominant second half display from the Wests Tigers.
The Tigers outscored the Raiders five tries to one with the breeze at their backs in the second half, it was the Raiders inability to take chances inside the Tigers’ half which took away any chance of a fight back with errors riddling Canberra’s play.
A rare highlight for the Raiders was Andrew Heffernan finding Hurst with a bullet pass right on the stroke of full time.
The Tigers were first to get on the board in the 10th minute when Te Maire Martin was able to finally break the Raiders’ line. Matthew Woods converted the try to give the Tigers a 6-0 lead.
Some good defence in the next set from Thomas Cronan and Lachlan Lewis stopped the Tigers from scoring again. An error coming out of their own half from the Tigers was all the Raiders needed to post their first points of the game.
On the next set Frawley was able to dance around some hesitant Tigers’ defence to score close to the corner. Doyle converted the try and despite the Tigers enjoying 60% of possession scores were level at six a piece after 18 minutes.
A low driven kick off forced the error from Jono Kent allowing the Tigers a chance at the Raiders’ line. Canberra were able to survive the first set but an error from Lewis gave the Tigers repeat sets.
From the restart Mason Farrell was able to slice through the Raiders’ line and score a relatively soft try. Woods converted the try despite the tough conditions giving the Tigers a 12-6 lead after 23 minutes.
The Raiders hit back on their next possession with Frawley again putting a play in motion. On the last he gave to Kent who found Lachlan Hurst on the outside who was able to race away to score in the corner. Doyle wasn’t able to curl the conversion leaving the Tigers with a 12-10 lead 13 minutes before half time.
Following an error from Carne Doyle-Manga the Tigers were able to break the Raiders’ line. This time Lamar Liolevave made the break before passing to Martin who scored under the posts. Woods converted the try giving the Tigers an eight point advantage in the 34th minute.
A last second effort from Mitchell Barnett nearly gave the Raiders momentum heading into half time, but the forward was unable to get the ball down with Farrell’s foot getting in between the ball and the grass. Despite having the wind at their backs the Raiders went into the half time down 18-10.
Canberra were lucky to only be down by that much considering the Tigers enjoyed 55% of the possession in the opening half.
It looked like the Tigers were going to extend their lead but a call from touch judge Casey Badger called the play back as the last pass from the Tigers went forward. Following a good set the Raiders were then able to get repeat sets at the Tigers’ line.
Two quick tries to the Tigers extended them to an 18 point lead with Manaia Cherrington causing the Raiders headaches. Tries in consecutive sets to Tigers’ wingers John Tohi and John Ogden ballooned the Tigers lead to 28-10 after 54 minutes.
It looked like the Raiders had hit back to a try to Jack Creith, but following what seemed like an eternity the video referee over turned the try ruling that Heffernan had knocked on prior to Creith gaining possession.
Canberra’s defence completely capitulated when Martin was able to break 5 soft tackles on his way to scoring his third try of the match. Woods converted the try giving the Tigers a commanding 34-10 lead in the 68th minute.
Tensions then frayed between the sides as Jules Webley gave away the penalty, Cherrington then pushed Webley which then brought players from both sides together. Ezra Howe went to the sin bin for being third man in despite Cherrington initiating the confrontation.
The Wests Tigers took advantage of the extra man with Daniel Rakvin extending the Tigers lead further. Woods converted the try with the Tigers lead blowing out to a 40-10 advantage with eight minutes to play.
Hala Masila added to the Raiders’ misery as he was able to get past Cronan and score next to the posts. Woods converted the try with the 46-10 score line reflecting the dominance of the Tigers in the 2nd half.
The Raiders got a consolation try after Heffernan threw a bullet of a pass wide finding an unmarked Hurst who scored his 2nd for the game right on the stroke of full time. Doyle converted the try to finish the game in a comprehensive victory for the Tigers who ran out 46-16.
It was never going to be an easy game for the Raiders but 57% possession enjoyed from the Tigers and 37 missed tackles all but killed off any chance of a Raiders victory.
Frawley was consistent for the Raiders with limited possessions, but errors in the Tigers defensive half cost the Raiders who were unable to get anything going in the second half.
Next week the Raiders have the bye and will have plenty of time to think about this loss before travelling to the Gold Coast to take on the Titans.
Wests Tigers 46
Tries: Martin 3, Farrell, Tohi, Ogden, Rakvin, Masila; Woods 7 Goals
Defeated
Canberra Raiders 16
Tries: Hurst 2, Frawley; Doyle 2 Goals
