Harold Matthews (Under 16s)
Canberra Raiders 42 defeated South West Sydney Academy 0 at Raiders Belconnen
The Canberra Raiders have comprehensively demolished South West Sydney Academy by 42 points in the side’s final home match of the year.
On the back of a staunch display from Canberra’s hard-working forward pack the backline was again allowed to run riot over a hapless South West Sydney Academy outfit.
Fullback Nic Cotric and centre Sebastrian Kris were especially impressive in the backline with the pair each registering two tries apiece.
Coach Adam Kyle was thrilled with the win, particularly with his side’s start to the match.
Canberra has lost just two matches all year with a poor start to the match being the catalyst for each loss. In both defeats the Raiders had trailed by over 20 points at halftime.
With the most recent loss taking place just last week, starting the match well was a major focus for the team during training.
“We talked a lot during the week about our start to games and making sure that we turned up ready to play with good energy and enthusiasm so it was great to get away to a good start this week,” explained Kyle.
The side most certainly delivered in the first stanza with the Raiders taking a 16-0 lead into the sheds at halftime.
Whilst Kyle believes the team’s fluency and structure in attack can improve, he was extremely proud of their resolute defensive effort.
“Once again we worked really hard on making sure defensively we were right around the middle and worked hard for each other,” Kyle said. “All season we have prided ourselves on making sure we are strong in defence. We set the boys a few tough KPI’s this week and it was great to see them meet them.
“We are still learning about playing in a structure and different playing roles for certain individuals. I don't think you have seen us at our best in attack so far but we are getting there week after week. As long as we keep learning and turning up with a good attitude then fluency in attack will come.”
The comprehensive victory sees the Raiders remain in fourth spot on the ladder and ranked as the third best attacking and defensive team in the competition.
Canberra 42 ( Nikola Cotric 2, Sebastian Kris 2, Samuel Dobb, Daniel Kier, Jai Lyons, Christopher Shingles tries; Nikola Cotric 2, Daniel Kier 2, Jese Smith-Shields goals) def. South West Sydney Academy 0
SG Ball (Under 18s)
Canberra Raiders 62 defeated West Coast Pirates 22 at Raiders Belconnen
A 30 point haul by gun five-eighth Lachlan Croker was the highlight of the Raiders’ 40 point win over the West Coast Pirates on Saturday.
Croker’s personal tally was compiled through three tries and nine goals from eleven attempts in what was a marvellous individual display from the side’s captain.
The Goulburn junior’s incredible performance now places him at the forefront of the competition’s leading try scoring and point scoring lists.
The thoroughly dominant performance from the team has now enabled the Raiders to climb to 6th place on the ladder.
Alas, with just one match left in the competition before semi-finals commence, the Green Machine still aren’t guaranteed a place in the top eight despite their standing on the ladder and the fact they have the second best points differential in the competition.
But with form on their side and confidence riding high within the playing group things are looking up for the boys in lime green.
Canberra 62 (Lachlan Croker 3, Morgan Boyle, Thomas Cronan, Ben Maguire, Cleveland McGhie, Kody Parsons, Leon Tupuola, Jack Williams, Zachary Woolford tries; Lachlan Croker 9 goals) def. West Coast Pirates 22 (Marouna Benioni, Thomas Johnson, Liufatu Lisone, Daniel Vi tries; Keelyn Tuuta-Edwards 3 goals)
