It was a great hit out for the Raiders NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg sides on Saturday at Kellyville Park, with both teams starting the season with important round one wins over the Eels.
NSW Cup
The Raiders performed well at Kellyville Park, defeating the Eels 16-10 after a dramatic ending to seal their round one win.
The Eels got off to a strong start, scoring early down the left edge with an athletic try by Joshuah Minhinnick in the sixth minute.
The Raiders bounced back as Hohepa Puru set up the Raiders first try with a strong linebreak, and a quick play-the-ball inside the Eels 20, allowing Elijah Anderson to slip through the retreating Eels defence to score.
The Raiders capitalised on an Eels error early in the second half, with Elijah Anderson scoring his double in the 40th minute through a smart short side play assisted by Brad Schneider.
Desperate for a change in momentum, Eels centre Zac Cini burst through the Raiders defence, levelling the score with just 10 minutes remaining.
Just two minutes later the Raiders were quick to regain control over the game, through a Zac Woolford short ball putting Clay Webb over the line.
Jarrod Croker comfortably converted his second try of the match to make it 16-10 with less than 10 minutes remaining.
The Eels defence hit the boiling point, as we saw Matthew Komolafe sin binned for a professional foul with just thirty seconds until fulltime.
The Raiders will be looking to make it two wins in a row as they face the Bears at Raiders Belconnen on Sunday 12th March.
Match: Eels v Raiders
Round 1 -
home Team
Eels
10th Position
away Team
Raiders
5th Position
Venue: Kellyville Park, Kellyville
Jersey Flegg
The Raiders proved too strong early in the day, coming back from behind to secure a 20-14 victory over the Eels.
The Eels came out strong, getting some points on the board early after scoring in the seventh minute, but were unable to convert.
Raiders forward Tane Kiriona was soon to put an end to the Eels lead, as he crossed the over the line after breaking through the Eels defence. Noah Ryan converted the try, giving the Raiders an important 6-4 lead.
The Raiders later took full advantage of an Eels error and a set restart, seeing Michael Asomua score a try in the 26th minute.
Just after half-time the Eels crossed over for a second time, making the score 10-8 after the break as the Raiders remained on top.
The Eels continued their momentum scoring again, giving them the lead thanks to a Raiders error.
Josh Billing got the green machine back into action, scoring a try in the 56th minute to level the score at 14-14.
With momentum now on the Raiders side, Prinston Esera helped Canberra regain control scoring just three minutes later, with Ryan slotting the conversion to lock in a 20-14 win.
The Raiders will be aiming to stay on top of the ladder, and record back to back wins when they face the Sydney Roosters at Raiders Belconnen on Sunday March 12th.
Match: Eels v Raiders
Round 1 -
home Team
Eels
9th Position
away Team
Raiders
4th Position
Venue: Kellyville Park, Kellyville
