Reef Raiders heartbreaking finish

RUGBY HIGHLIGHTS

Jake Black

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Despite the importance of the game, the Raiders treated it like any other and maintained their usual training routine. Picture: Jake Black

The Port Douglas Reef Raiders hosted a massive day of football hosting three preliminary final games. In the reserves we saw the Wanderers take on Barron Trinity, southside played the Mud Crabs in the women’s and the home side Reef Raiders played Barron trinity in an A grade matchup.

Even though it was a cloudy windy day it did not deter the die-hard raiders and rugby union fans from showing out and supporting our local boys. Straight from the kick off in all games you could see how much it meant to the players with the pressure and intensity levels being through the roof all game.

Although it was a massive game for the Raiders, they didn’t let that get to their head and treated it like any other game while training and preparing this week.

Richard Johnston, Reef Raiders captain, said there were no real changes with routine. "We just focussed on working on the team's strengths and basics," he explained.

“The vibes were great and there’s a very confident atmosphere with the players. There were no major nerves even though it's not just a regular game we aren’t treating it any differently in our preparation.”

The game couldn’t have started any better for the Raiders as they scored the first two tries and looked to be on top throughout the game. Barron being the structured team they are, didn't let that get to their head however as they fought back and scored 2 of their own to go into half time with a two point lead. 

The Raiders came out in the second half with their backs against the wall and the pressure and momentum of Barron appeared to be too much as they owned the second half and came away victorious with a final score of 25-13. Barron now face the JCU mariners in the big dance next Saturday.

Despite the loss Reef Raiders captain Richard Johnston thanked all raiders fans for showing out the whole year and can't wait to do it all again next year.

 

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