The Proserpine Whitsunday Rugby Union Senior Men kicked off their 2023 season last Saturday with a Grand Final rematch away from home against the Bowen Mudcrabs.
Both teams started nervously, until the 29th minute, when Raiders Jesse Reichelt took a quick penalty tap and crossed the line for the first try of the match.
Shortly after, some quick hands through the back line saw Enelaki Faataape cross for the Raiders second try.
On the stroke of half time, Connor Spence performed a great kick and chase to score a try which was converted by Jack Briskey to make the halftime score 17 nil to Raiders.
Bowen came out strong and dominated territory in the second half, and although the Raiders defence held strong, Bowen managed to cross for their one and only try from a penalty tap five metres out in the 61st minute.
Raiders came back and finished well with Enelaki Faataape crossing for his second try in the corner, followed by a fantastic conversion from Connor Spence.
Men’s best on ground votes: Peni (Ben) Tuibre three, Dylan Hoffmann two, and Waikato Nepian-Katipa one. Final score: Whitsunday Raiders 24-5 Bowen Mudcrabs
Meanwhile, The Raiders Ladies toured south to play at Mackay Lions for the first game of their season with technical wins for both games due to forfeits from Kuttabul and Slade Point.
In true sportsperson style, the two Mackay sides joined to play a mixed friendly match.
Ladies played some great rugby implementing a 7s format. Big mention to Meg Skuthorp and Keely Salter, also to Deakoda Costello for filling in numbers on other side.
The Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders are looking forward to their first home game this Saturday at the Whitsunday Sportspark - Ladies kicking off from 1.00pm against Slade Point, 3.00pm against Kuttabul Boketts, and Mens at 3.30pm against the Kuttabul Camelboks.
Contributed with thanks to Toni Ward
Manaia Hauiti making a darting run in the Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders Union Senior Men’s win over the Bowen Mudcrabs
The Raiders celebrate Connor Spence scoring a try
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