The PWRUC Raiders Rugby Union Women and Men teams showcased their potential in the MRU 2024 pre-season shorter version hit outs in Mackay on 16 March 2024.
Raiders Women’s first game missed a little game day cohesion, which was expected “Our team showed resilience in their first game, with positive effort given the limited practice time due to recent weather”, coach Sainsbury said.
The second game saw improvements, especially in defence, with Captains Maddy Spruce and Lily Sainsbury leading by example.
The team welcomed new debutants Kendra Shields “who looked comfortable out there amongst it” and Summer Foreman who graduated from Juniors to the Seniors ranks.
Sainsbury highlighted, “as a squad we’re looking forward to women playing rugby in the MRU and what this 2024 season unveils.”
Raiders Men triumphed 14-12 in their first match against Bowen Mudcrabs, dominating the first half and spending most of the time in Bowen's playing half.
Jack Briskey and Landry Bezombes scored tries and converted them successfully. Coach Rota expressed satisfaction, "we played well and were happy to come away with the win."
Despite challenges in the second game against Moranbah Bulls, where they played with only 14 players due to injuries, the Raiders held their ground.
Captains Waikato Nepia–Katipa and Rhys Ward “showed good leadership both on and off the field throughout the day”.
Rota mentioned he’s “excited to see where the season takes us with such a young squad”.
Official MRU Rugby Union Season start Saturday 6 April, with both teams heading to Bowen for the 1st game of MRU Round 1.
Contributed with thanks to Karla Houston.
Get into Raiders Rugby - Trainings held at Whitsunday Sports Park
Men: 6:30pm - 8:00pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays
Women: 5:30pm - 7:00pm, Wednesdays
Facebook/Messenger: Proserpine/Whitsunday Rugby Union Club
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