Whitsunday Raiders Versus Moranbah Bulls

Saturday saw the Moranbah Bulls travel up to Airlie beach to play the Round 11, top of the table clash against the Raiders.

Both teams have had a pretty consistent year and the last time they met was a close 26-20 match in favour of the Bulls.

With both teams having a few of their regular players missing, it was still going to be a tight contest for the win.

Raiders line defence was the difference between the teams, and it wasn’t until the 26th minute when young Raiders speedster Rhys Ward crossed the line for the first five pointer of the game, bringing the score to 7-3 in favour of the men in green.

As half time drew near, the Raiders found themselves on the wrong side of the referee’s whistle and the Bulls slotted another 3 pointer to be 7-6 on the scoreboard, with the restart putting pressure on the Bulls.

It was Dylan Hoffmann who managed to find some space and cross for the Raiders second try of the game putting the Raiders ahead 14-6 at the half time break.

The second half was again a defensive battle that saw Niall Clancy slot his first of 2 penalties for the Raiders, 8 minutes into the half.

It wasn’t until the 55th minute before the scoreboard moved again to make the score 20-6.

It was the 79th minute when fullback Dylan Hoffmann again found space and crossed for his double, unfortunately Niall missed the conversion and Raiders took the win 25-6 to remain at the top of the MRU ladder after 11 rounds.

Best on field were Tristian Sainsbury 3pts, Joel Hoffmann 2pts and Rhys Ward 1pt.

This Saturday sees a competition wide bye so that the MRU players can participate in the QLD Country Championships in Rockhampton.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence.

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Hone Casey-Bloomer counter ruck through the middle. Photo credit: Hanny Spence Photography

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