With the players’ heritage on display as part of multicultural round, the Raiders united to take down the Sharks 24-20 in a thrilling clash at GIO Stadium Canberra.
It was a tight contest between both sides, but a try in the last two minutes gave the Raiders a much-needed victory.
The Raiders opened the scoring in the first four minutes when Canberra was able to capitalise off an extra set, with Matty Nicholson squeezing through the Sharks to plant the ball right under the post scoring the first points of the night.
Just minutes later the Sharks were able to storm through the Raiders right edge defence, to level the score 6-all.
The Raiders looked to have scored through Kaeo Weekes, but the bunker ruled an obstruction by Matty Nicholson denying Canberra a try.
Not happy with their previous effort, the Raiders put themselves further ahead with a beautiful grubber kick from Tom Starling giving Hudson Young a chance to score. A successful conversion made the score 12-6.
In a back-and-forth contest, the Sharks added their own points moments later. Despite the Raiders’ relentless effort to hold them back, Cronulla scored to tie it up 12-all, with 12 minutes left in the first half.
A towering bomb from Weekes was fumbled by the Sharks, giving possession back to the Raiders and gifting Young his second try of the night.
The Sharks capitalised on a Raiders error to score in the last seconds of the first half. Both teams headed to the sheds 18-18.
The first ten minutes of the second half saw both teams in a see-saw battle. The Raiders’ defence remained strong and did not allow Cronulla a chance to break their line.
Both sides continued to trade sets until a high tackle from Young saw him sent to the sin bin, reducing the Raiders to 12 men. The Sharks were awarded a penalty soon after and a successful shot at goal put the Sharks in the lead at 20-18.
Despite being one-man down Canberra was able to hold their own, with a try saving tackle from Ethan Strange holding the Sharks at bay.
The Raiders turned defence into attack when Young returned to the field at the 67th minute but were put into touch on the final tackle of the set.
With six minutes to go and a two-point difference, the Raiders fought hard but couldn’t find the try line.
It wasn’t until a masterful play by Xavier Savage and Weekes that gave Sebastian Kris the direct path to cross the line and secure four points. Jamal Fogarty drilled the ball through the posts sealing the game for Canberra, 24-20.
The Raiders will travel to Darwin to take on the Eels for round six next Saturday night.
