Young Raiders win wet weather slogThe Canberra Raiders Toyota Cup side has triumphed 16-10 over the Melbourne Storm in the pouring rain this afternoon at Canberra Stadium.
The match was a typical wet weather slog, with both teams attempting to gain ascendency in the middle of the field through their forwards. However, the Raiders eventually won the day through their consistently strong defence and their superior handling in the trying conditions.
The Raiders drew first blood in the 7th minute when halfback Mitchell Cornish sliced his way through the heart of the Melbourne defence, enabling back rower Joe Bradley to score under the posts. Cornish then converted the try and the raiders were up 6-0.
Canberra came close to scoring again in the 14th minute when a slick passing movement by the backs down the right hand blind saw lock Hayden Crocket cross the line. However, referee David Munro ruled that the big back rower hand been held up by the Melbourne defence.
However, in 22nd minute the Storm managed to score a fortunate try through outside back Mahe Fonua. Matt McGahan’s conversion attempt was waved away and the Raiders led 6-0.
The Raiders responded seven minutes later, when a beautifully weighted grubber kick by Cornish caught the Melbourne defence napping allowing new recruit Brad Smith to score in the corner. Hickson was unable convert and the score was 10-4 to the Raiders.
The Storm scored again 10 seconds before halftime, when on the back on consecutive sets Denny Solomona crashed over . Matt McGahan got the conversion from out wide and the teams went into the break all locked up at 10 all.
The Raiders finally broke through for the first try of the second half in 55th minute when Cornish put up a lovely cross field chip which was plucked from the air by centre Edrick Lee who touched down adjacent to the left hand upright to put the Raiders in front. Cornish nailed another conversion and 16-10 with 23 minutes left.
The last quarter of the match remained scoreless as both teams struggled to maintain good ball control in the wet conditions. However, during this period of the game the Raiders’ defence really shone, repelling a series of dangerous raids from the Storm deep in their own half to hang on for a well deserved victory.
Cornish had a marvellous game for the green machine, having a hand in three tries and constantly keeping the Storm on the back foot with his astute kicking game.
Source: Raiders.com.au
Topic: Young Raiders win wet weather slog
