The Canberra Raiders impressed fans at home with a nail-biting 21-20 win against the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday night at GIO Stadium.
The Raiders returned with their form after round five, showcasing their skilled defense and talent. Raiders fullback Chevy Stewart brought the crowd alive, making his NRL debut in the game.
After a massive scramble, seventeen minutes into the game, Raiders winger James Schiller was the first try scorer of the match. This was shortly followed by halfback Jamal Fogarty’s successful conversion, giving the Raiders a 6-0 lead.
A back and forth contest with Gold Coast Titans defence not backing down, Raiders second rower Hudson Young broke through the try-line to establish a leading score of 12-0.
The Raiders had a dominant start to the first half, leaving the Titans scoreless until the last minute when Jaimin Joliffe crossed the line. Jayden Campbell converted successfully, making the score 12-6 at half time.
Both teams came into the second half with hunger for success, and it was the Titans who scored first with winger Harley Smith Shields reaching the try-line three minutes in.
Not long after, Raiders second rower Zac Hosking was taken off due to injury with Ata Mariota coming onto the field.
Five minutes into the second half, an obstruction by the Titans gave the Raiders the chance to take the penalty kick, giving them a four point lead.
Both teams were playing set for set with Titans winger Alofiana Khan Pereira attempting to break the defensive line, although this was unsuccessful.
Schiller showcased his form by coming out firing, crossing the line with ten minutes to go. This was followed by a successful conversion, which brought the score to 20 - 10.
With tensions rising and the clock ticking, Khan-Pereria scored back-to-back tries, crossing the line with seconds to go. After a successful sideline conversion by Brian Kelly, the match went into golden point.
With a nail biting finish, Fogarty saved the day for the Raiders with a one point field goal, wrapping up the game with a final score 21-20.
The Raiders will look to continue this success next weekend coming up against Brisbane Broncos next Saturday 20th April at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
