The Canberra Raiders dominated the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs 56 - 24 in in their first ever match up this afternoon. The side went on try scoring spree, recording their highest tally on the leaderboard and equalling the highest points scored in NRLW history.
It was a much-improved performance from the Raiders, keeping their foot on the pedal for the entire 80 minutes. Strong completion rates and three doubles secured them a well-deserved second victory of the season.
It was Canberra who opened the scoring five minutes in. Elise Simpson almost reached the line but was held up by the Bulldogs, then on fourth tackle, Mackenzie Wiki sprinted down the left edge to score the first points of the day and taking the Raiders to a 4 – nil lead.
The Raiders then thwarted multiple Bulldogs try attempts before they struck again with Simaima Taufa squeezing her way to the line just next to the posts. Zahara Temara slotted the kick to extend their lead to 10 – nil.
Canberra continued their attacking momentum as they got their third for the day, with Temara stepping multiple defenders to finish the set with a beautiful grubber kick. Chloe Saunders expertly gathered the ball before slamming herself over the line.
An offside penalty then gave Canterbury a chance to establish themselves with Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa going through the Raiders defence to score. Tayla Preston kicked a successful conversion bringing the score to 6 – 16 with 15 minutes left in the first half.
Five minutes later, Sereana Naitokatoka slipped through the Bulldogs defensive line, sprinting down the park with a swift pass to Elise Simpson, granting the Raiders their fourth try.
Off the back of a Bulldogs knock-on the Raiders hit again, with Taufa bagging a double as she relentlessly pushed herself over the line. A straight shot from Temara extended the Raiders lead 28 – 6.
With only two minutes left in the first half, a Raiders error gave the Bulldogs a chance to narrow their margin. Alexis Tauaneai ran over multiple Canberra defenders to plant the ball directly under the sticks. An easy conversion by Tayla Preston brought the score to 26 – 12 on the halftime siren.
The Raiders came out firing in the second half, setting up shop in the red zone. A beautiful run by Jordyn Preston drew the Bulldogs towards the middle, as she expertly palmed off defenders to easily run to the endzone.
Late contact from Canterbury brought the side to 12 players with Shaniece Monschau sent to the bin. The Bulldogs, however, were not fazed as a high tackle penalty brought them five out from the line. Tauaneai then busted her way through to score her second try of the day to make the score 34 – 18.
An obstruction penalty awarded to Canterbury didn’t make touch, keeping the ball alive for the Raiders. The ball propelled through multiple hands until Isabella Waterman spotted the corner, giving the Raiders their seventh try and the winger first in the NRLW.
The Canberra Raiders were on a try scoring spree, as Leianne Tufuga broke out of a tackle to surge 50 metres down the park. Impressive footwork by Cheyelle Robins-Reti extended the Raiders score. Temara added the extras with ease, kicking her 100th conversion in the NRLW.
With 12 minutes left in the game, Waterman and Jordyn Preston went again, each adding a double to their tally and contributing to Canberra’s towering score line.
With only three minutes left on the clock, the Bulldogs crossed the line with a consolation try, securing the Raiders a 56 – 24 victory.
The girls will aim to make it three in a row when they take on the Wests Tigers at home next Saturday afternoon.
