The Canberra Raiders fell to the Newcastle Knights 18-0 in a hard-fought clash in the NRLW’s inaugural Magic Round, despite a locked up first half.
Match: Knights v Raiders
Round 5 -
home Team
Knights
3rd Position
away Team
Raiders
12th Position
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
It was a tough contest between the two sides, battling strong weather conditions, but ultimately the Knights proved too strong for the green machine.
The Raiders capitalised early after being awarded a penalty, driving close to the line, but were held up just short.
Possession continued to shift back and forth as both sides continued to trade sets, with either team able to break through.
The Raiders continued to push hard defensively but multiple penalties allowed the Knights to gain valuable field position. Fortunately, the Raiders forced an error and regained possession.
Both sides continued with end-to-end play until the Knights kicked the ball dead, handing Canberra a 20-metre restart. The Raiders pushed upfield and came close to scoring, but a fumble brought their attacking run to an end.
Neither side was able to break the deadlock heading into half time despite scoring opportunities on both ends.
It was the Knights who registered the first points of the match four minutes into the second half with a line break by Shanice Parker putting Sheridan Gallagher over the line.
A fumbled ball by the Raiders left the Knights 30 metres out from the line where Tiana Davidson slipped through Canberra’s defence to score Newcastle’s second try of the day. A successful conversion took the score to 12-nil.
The Knights continued their attacking rampage, threatening the line multiple times. The Raiders held strong in their defence and were able to repeatedly hold them out.
Unfortunately, Canberra’s defence eventually faltered letting the Knights in for another try, sealing their 18-nil win at Mcdonald Jones Stadium.
The Raiders will look to bounce back when they return to GIO Stadium to take on the Brisbane Broncos next Sunday afternoon.