Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Raiders Keep Clean Against Mudcrabs

Friday night saw the Bowen Mudcrabs travel down to Whitsunday Sportspark for a Mackay Rugby Union Round Two replay, and a top of the table clash against the Mama Africa Raiders.

The occasion was also the second round of the new Eclipse Financial Services Cup – a newly contested cup between the two geographically close rivals.

As is always the case in Bowen against Whitsundays, both teams were going to be in for an arm wrestle.

The first points were dictated by a penalty given to Raiders after 12 minutes, before – seven minutes later - the Whitsunday side breached the Bowen defences with a try out wide by Kainoa Close-Houston, with an unsuccessful conversion.

Bowen fought back with a converted try in the 26th, bringing it to 8–7.

Raiders were again dominating tackles after, putting in solid, consistent defence of their territory.

Big Nate Williams was again busting through the opposition line with strong carries, crossing in the 35th minute for a converted try and a half time score of 15-7.

Raiders came out of half time ready to show the big crowd, as well as the opposition, why they’re top of the table.

They kept the muddies from penetrating the defensive 22 and played the game in Bowens half of the field, running out a classy win, 41-7.

Stand outs on the day were Cameron Meurant, again leading from the front, Niall Clancy, a man possessed who took on the big boys without a blink of an eye.

Hone Casey-Bloomer had one of his best games to date, with some brilliant aerial skills and strong busting runs, as well as Nate Williams, who always drags in two or three defenders when he runs.

Tries on the night went to Kianoa, Nate, Jack, Hone, Bill Crossley, and Kumya.

Players of the night were Cameron Meurant, three points, Hone Casey-Bloomer, two points, and Niall Clancy, one point.

Mama Africa Raiders travel to Lions Park Mackay next week to take on the Kuttabul Camelboks at 3.30pm, who are now in second.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

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