Junior Reps Wrap: Finals Week One

The Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews Cup team are through to the semi finals after a narrow win against the Penrith Panthers at Ringrose Park on Friday afternoon. 

The victory now sets up a mouth-watering clash against Western Suburbs Magpies this Saturday, with the winner of that match making the grand final.

It didn’t take long for the Raiders to get an early lead on Friday, with Mathias Tomuli-Ah-Kuoi scoring in just the third minute of the match.

Despite Canberra’s fast start Penrith were quick to hit back, with prop Tanu Papu crossing over in the 10th minute to lock the scores at 6-all.

From there the Raiders took control, with Jed Reardon scoring in the 28th minute to give the Green Machine a 12-6 lead heading into the half-time break.

The lead would extend to 12 shortly after half-time with captain Owen Hromow crossing over for his first of the game, with Samuel Gash continuing his perfect match with the kicking tee. 

It was then second rower Noah Martin’s turn to get in on the fun, scoring in the 47th minute to take the score to 24-6 with just 13 minutes of the match remaining.

The Panthers did mount a late comeback, scoring in the 57th and 59th minute respectively, however it wasn’t enough as the Raiders held on to book their ticket to the semi final.

All eyes now move to next weekend, with a grand final position on the line against an undefeated Magpies side at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium at 3:15pm on Saturday afternoon.

Photo by Our Footy Team.