Mama Africa Raiders travelled down the Bruce to take on Kuttabul Camelboks at Lions Park, on Saturday in a first versus second match-up.
Historically, games between the two have been close, physical and entertaining encounters, and Saturday’s match was no different.
The game was summed up by its last five minutes, where Raiders defended their try line, combating much bigger opposition with a never die attitude.
Coach Andrè Houston said a large percentage of the squad have played more rugby over the past two months than professionals do.
“Their Rugby commitment, representing Mackay Stingers, U19s, and Men’s Central Queensland weekend training camps, travelling for these and our own Club duties, is an indicator to why our boys started flatter today,” he said.
“We lead the whole game, but they had to dig deep to prevent Kuttabul from scoring in the last five. I applaud their determination and character”.
It was a back and forth, end to end affair, with Raiders showing flair with ball in hand to make line breaks.
The travelling side didn’t hit their natural flow and rhythm, with Kuttabul disrupting Raiders with accurate tackling, strong running, and strong set pieces.
The boot of Niall Clancy kept the Raiders ticking over, scoring 12 points for the day. Individual brilliance by Cayden Yuskan saw him score two tries. Brother duo Joel and Dylan Hoffmann combined to score, too.
The team’s standout was their attitude in their own 22-metres for that last five minutes, preventing Kuttabul from scoring to even the match up.
“Defence builds character,” Houston said.
“They could have easily given up, but the bond between these young men is amazing; they never want to let each other down.”
Cayden Yuskan’s stand out performance bagged him three players points. Matarae Tauroa picked up two for high work rate, and Dylan Hoffmann, for his ever presence in the back line, gained one point.
This weekend Mama Africa Raiders will be hosting the Moranbah Bulls at home to close out Round two.
The Club will also hold their annual Old Boys Day, inviting any ex-players, near or far, to come enjoy the day. Kick-off at 3.30pm.
The night will feature after match live entertainment, intermingling with past and present players, and the Wallabies vs England test match shown live on TV.
The Club wished its nine players the best of luck at the QLD Representative Carnival, representing both U19s and Men’s Central Queensland in Toowoomba this weekend.
Raiders will host their Old Boys matchday this weekend, welcoming past and present players to Whitsunday Sportspark
Raiders remain top of the table having conquered the Camelboks
