The mama Africa Raiders had their first home game with round three last Saturday, after a last-minute change of kick off time brought it forward to 12.30pm.
The last time the two teams met it was a very close, hard fought draw at Slade Point’s home ground, and this game lived up to expectation.
The Mama Africa Raiders didn’t start the game well and were a little bit out of sorts, not completing their phases and ball security was giving Slade point a bit more possession than they should have had.
Strong defence was the leveller during the first 40 minutes and the score was a close 10–8 to the Raiders.
Coach Andre Houston gave a rousing half time speech to the players and reminded them of our game plan.
The speech, as well as a Slade point try in the first three minutes of the second half, seemed to get the Raiders minds back on the job at hand as five minutes later the homes side’s replacement prop, Jessie Reichelt, went over for a 5 pointer converted by Niall Clancy.
That brought the score to 17-15 and the next 10 minutes of play saw the Mama Africa Raiders put on another two tries and a conversion to lead 29-15.
Slade Point were not going to give up the fight, but ultimately the Raiders managed to put on another converted try to finish the game 36-15 victors.
Following the A grade game at 2.30pm was a senior women’s 7-a-side game between the Raiders and Slade Point - a huge milestone in the growth of Regional Rugby for the area.
There has not been a senior women’s rugby team since 1998.
It was great to see Mother and Daughter combinations of Jasmin, Shakaya, and Deakoda Costello as well as Jade Krystle and Bella Cain as the Raiders women ran out winners 26-0
The next home game for the Mama Africa Raiders and Senior women’s is Saturday 30th July, starting at 2.30pm.
Player of the Day for the Men were, Connor Spence 1pt, Kainoa Close-houston 2pts and Ethan Hoffmann 3pts.
For the women, Madison Spruce 1pt, Caitlyn Daly 2pts and Deakoda Costello 3pts.
Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence
The Costello family linked up in the region’s first official women’s 7-a-side matches since 1998
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
