NRL round-24: Raiders upset the Dragons
The Raiders were able to upset the Dragons at home in Canberra in the first game on Sunday.
The Raiders showed why everyone is excited about rugby in the nation’s capital, as they continued their push towards the post-season. The first half could be classified as down-right boring, as both sides were locked in defensive formations. The Dragons were able to enter the second stanza with a thin four-point lead. However, the Raiders came alive early after the break and built up a lead, on their way to a 32-16 victory.
Recap
The Dragons opened the scoring quickly with a try from Brett Morris in the fourth minute. However, that was all the scoring the first half would see, as both sides elected to move into a more defensive game, keeping one another off the score-sheet. Allowing the Dragons to take a 4-0 lead into the second half.
After the break the Raiders came out the better team. Daniel Vidot showed his impressive late season form with a try in the 48th minute, while Jarod Croker hit the conversion to give the Canberra side a 6-4 lead.
Terry Campese added to the advantage with a try in the 56th minute, and Croker hit his second conversion to push the lead out to 12-4.
The home side continued to pressure as Adam Mogg, and Josh Dugan crossed the whitewash in the 59th and 62nd minutes respectively. Croker put both conversion attempts through, and the lead was transformed to 22-4.
Joe Picker scampered over the try-line just three minutes later to tack on the Raiders' fifth try of the evening, to make the score 26-4.
The Dragons got back in the game briefly with scores from Mark Gasnier in the 70th minute, and Neville Costigan in the 72nd minute, with Jamie Soward adding the extra points on both. However, Glen Buttriss put any hope the Dragons had out of reach, with his try in the 77th minute. After Croker’s fourth conversion of the day the Raiders sealed an impressive 32-16 victory.
The Raiders played another strong team game, with tries from six different players, and an impressive show at the tee from Croker.
The Dragons meanwhile could not seem to get past the Raiders defence and were forced to settle for two late tries, after the game was already out of reach.
Analysis
The Raiders continue to play hard in their quest for a play-off spot. The Canberra club find themselves on the precipice of the post-season, sitting in ninth place. Nevertheless, they should be able to move up into eighth if they maintain their form.
The Dragons allowed themselves to slip slightly, but still have a hold on the top of the table. However, with two weeks left they are still at risk of losing their first place position, only two points up on second spot.
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