The Mama Africa Raiders travelled to Bowen on Saturday to take on the old rivals Bowen Mudcrabs at their home grounds.
The coaching staff were prepared for the traditional hard slog and close scoring that has played out between the sides for decades.
Raiders had to travel with a few less reserves than normal, but this has never been an excuse not to perform at their best.
With a stiff breeze behind them Bowen brought it rom the start. The first 35 minutes was a tussle between both forwards and backs and was played between the 22mtr lines of both sides. Until Bowens forwards went over the line through a strong pick and drive play.
Half time came around and the raiders were behind 5 nil.
With the penalty count climbing for the home side, Raiders crept ahead through the boot of Hone Casey-Bloomer and Connor Spence to see them lead at the 65th minute mark 12 -5.
The game wasn’t over by any means, with a large and vocal group of local supporters, Bowen was never out of it.
All until young gun Jack Briskey scooted through the defensive line, again, and scored Raiders only try of the game at the 77th minute mark, leading now 17 – 5.
Bowen managed to turn the ball over after the kick off and a couple of phases later had a 20-metre line break, only to be shut down by the hard-working Raiders defence.
The Raiders boys then advanced up field for a few more phases until the final whistle went.
Raiders win 17-5.
With the whistle blown and the crowd cheering both teams, the mighty Raiders managed to complete round one of three undefeated and currently holding the number one spot on the ladder.
This does not mean the remaining rounds are going to be easy, in fact the direct opposite; they expect tough games from all the MRU clubs.
This game was not only the completion of round 1, but it was also the first of a three-game series to see who can win the inaugural Eclipse Financial Service Cup.
This series has been proudly started by ex-Muddies player and Eclipse Financial Services managing director Justin Butler and will be played out on the Raiders home game, June 18 and finally at Bowen on the August 6.
Mama Africa Raiders players of the day went to our #10 Dylan Hoffmann 1 pt, lock and big brother Joel Hoffmann 2pts and to young gun winger Jack Briskey 3 pts.
Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence
