The Toyota Forklift Raiders were unable to slow down the red-hot Newcastle attack as they were defeated 28 – 6 on Saturday afternoon.
Despite a strong performance from veteran winger Jordan Rapana, who had two line-breaks and a try, it was not enough in the losing effort.
The Knights struck early with Kayln Ponga putting Lachlan Fitzgibbon through the line before backing him up to score in the sixth minute.
Ponga converted his own try to give the Knights a 6 – 0 lead.
The Knights added to their lead with a penalty from in front to make the score 8 – 0. Newcastle capitalized on a loose ball, setting the stage for a tap-on pass to winger Greg Marzhew to score in the corner.
Ponga converted from the sideline to make the score 14 – 0.
Canberra errors continued to provide the Knights with opportunities as Dominic Young extended his league leading try tally in the 32nd minute.
Ponga was again successful from the sideline, increasing the deficit to 20 – 0.
The Raiders looked dangerous on the back of repeat sets, but the Knights were able to holdout until half-time.
The Knights looked to pick up where they left off, scoring in their first set of the second half.
A Dane Gagai line-break saw Tyson Gamble cross over for a try. Ponga’s conversion pushed the score to 26 – 0.
The Knights looked to have scored their second consecutive try of the half just minutes later before the try was overturned due to Albert Hopoate being tackled in the air.
The Raiders created space on the right edge enabling Jordan Rapana to break through, but the Newcastle scramble defense was able to repel the Raiders’ attack.
The Green Machine cracked the scoreboard in the 52nd minute as Jordan Rapana bulldozed his way through Kayln Ponga to score.
Croker converted from the sideline to reduce the Knights lead to 26 – 6.
Ponga tacked on another two points to the Knights’ lead after an unsuccessful Raiders’ challenge.
The Green Machine had multiple chances to score again but were unable to crack Newcastle’s resilient defence.
Full Time: Knights 28 d Raiders 6
