The Mackay City Redmen travelled to Airlie Beach on Saturday to finish off the first round of the MRU competition and play the Raiders for the first time this season.
It was listed as the game of the round due to the top three teams, Whitsunday, Moranbah, and Cities all having 20 competition points.
The Raiders had a game plan to counteract the physicality of the Cities forwards who were coming off a strong showing against Moranbah last week.
The Raiders had a bye last week and needed a strong hit out to improve their match fitness.
Both Connor and Aden Spence were running on for their 50th and 52nd caps respectfully for the Raiders and were keen to go hard.
Throughout the game the Raiders stuck to the game plan and by half time, had a lead of 41 points. Cities were always competing for the ball and their forwards running hard and straight.
By full time Connor Spence had run in three tries, Darragh Lynch and Rhys Ward had picked up doubles, Thomas Humphries had his first Raiders “meat pie” and Jack Briskey, Waikato Nepia-Katipa, Aden Spence and Tristian Sainsbury had each picked up a 5 pointer as well.
The Raiders finished with a 76 nil win and cemented the top spot at the end of round 1.
The hard yards are just around the corner as the 2nd and final round starts with another home game Friday night, 2nd June, against the Bowen Mudcrabs, which is also the second round of the Eclipse Financial Services Cup between these two teams.
Come on down and support the boys, kick off 7.30pm. Best on field for the Raiders Brodie Stallman 1pt, Rhys Ward 2pts and Joel Hoffmann 3 pts.
Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence
Niall Clancy stopping the big fella
