The Raiders U20’s have continued their brilliant form with a hard-fought 18-12 victory over the Cronulla Sharks at Southern Cross Stadium today. The win is the young Raiders sixth in a row and solidifies their position in the top eight.
Brett White opted to make no late changes to the team that was named on Tuesday.
After an even first ten minutes, the Sharks were the first team to post points when winger Sione Katoa finished off a slick backline play with a spectacular finish in the corner.
The Raiders went close to hitting back straight away when young centre Seb Kris powered his way over the line, only to be held up by the Sharks defence. Instead, it was Jack Williams who posted the Raiders first points when he burst over the line from close range. Woolford converted to give the Raiders a 6-4 lead midway through the first half.
Thomas Cronan was next to find the line when he shimmied through the Sharks defence to score the Raiders second four-pointer. Woolford nailed a difficult conversion to stretch the Raiders lead to 12-4.
The score remained the same heading into the break despite a few final attacking raids by the Sharks.
Scrappy defence to start the second-half proved costly for the Raiders, with Jayden Walker scoring quickly after the break to bring the Sharks back within four points.
A tight and tense contest ensued before the Sharks again broke through to level the scores. A crafty grubber was just grounded by Walker for his second of the day. Davies continued to struggle with the boot and missed his third conversion of the day.
A penalty goal to the Raiders saw them regain the lead with 15 minutes remaining, and the victory was sealed 10 minutes from time when Seb Kris flied over in the left corner for a super try.
Next up for the Raiders is a crucial match against the Melbourne Storm at Seiffert Oval next Saturday.
Canberra Raiders 18 ( Williams, Cronan, Kris. Woolford 2/3, 1 pen) defeated the Cronulla Sharks 12 (Katoa, Walker 2 . Davies 0/3 )
