Raiders bag strong win in Hudson Young's 150th match

Raiders fans were off their seats within minutes, after Matt Timoko had appeared to score after their first set of the game following a drop ball from the Cowboys back three.

However, after being referred to the Bunker for further inspection, officials found that Savelio Tamale had committed foul play during the kick contest.

With the Cowboys right on the attack following the decision, Canberra rallied together to turn the Cowboys away on back-to-back sets.

Both teams proceeded to settle into a back-and-forth brand of footy, as attacking field position was at a premium.

Finally building some pressure on the Cowboys line following a goal line dropout, Ethan Strange powered his way through the Cowboys line before setting Sebastian Kris up for the first points of the afternoon.

Momentum was on Canberra’s side as Kaeo Weekes crossed only moments later, benefitting from a kick deflection on the last tackle following an ambitious short side raid from Hudson Young.

Two tries brought three, as Daine Laurie sliced his way through the Cowboys middle defence, finding Tom Starling in support as the Raiders were well and truly in control at 14-0 after the opening 20 minutes.

The Cowboys arrested momentum in the 26th minute, finally crossing for their first try of the game after five-eighth Liam Sutton dummied his way through Canberra’s defences close to the line.

With a penalty giving the Cowboys an opportunity deep within Raiders territory as the clock ticked down towards half time, Canberra continued to turn away everything that was thrown at them.

Sebastian Kris turned defence into attack, finding Xavier Savage down the right-hand sideline, having scooped up a loose ball off the back of a Cowboys kick.

Despite Savage’s electric speed, he was unable to find Kris back on the inside further down the field.

With momentum swinging back and forth as both teams compiled attacking sets close to the line, Zac Hosking placed the Raiders right on the front foot following an interception.

Having set up the opening try of the afternoon, Ethan Strange picked up one of his own, once again beating the Cowboys with his powerful running close to the line on last tackle.

After a scintillating attacking display from the Green Machine, Canberra held a 18-6 lead heading into the sheds at halftime.

The flood lights were in full effect as the teams returned for the second half, with cold temperatures setting in on GIO Stadium.

As was the case in the first half, Sebastian Kris opened the scoring in the second forty, this time requiring no help from his teammates, dominantly breaking two tackles on his way to the line.

The Cowboys looked to respond shortly after, having been afforded a second opportunity following a Raiders knock on.

Time and time again the Raiders rallied in defence, forcing the Cowboys to try their hand on the pursuit for points.

While holding their own in defence, the Raiders consistently completed at a high percentage, continuously earning themselves field position deep in North Queensland’s territory.

With scoreboard pressure mounting as the clock ticked down, the Cowboys discipline began to plague any hope of a comeback, gifting the Raiders field position through a number of set restarts.

Ethan Sanders capitalised on the bulk of Canberra’s attacking possession, throwing a beautiful cut out pass to Xavier Savage, complimented by an acrobatic finish in the corner for the Raiders sixth try of the match.

The Raiders didn’t get caught trying anything too flashy, continuously getting to the end of their sets before pinning the Cowboys deep in their own half.

Scott Drinkwater sparked a rare attacking opportunity for the Cowboys off the back of a kick return, but it wasn’t enough to break down Canberra’s line.

Owen Pattie made his presence off the bench known, darting from the base of the ruck to spark a Raiders attacking pursuit.

After a short break in play within just over five minutes remaining, the Cowboys efforts were finally rewarded as Heilum Luki crossed for the Cowboys second of the evening.

Despite controlling the ball for the majority of the final five minutes, the Cowboys were unable build upon their late efforts on the Raiders line.

Canberra’s electric display on attack, paired with their steely resilience in defence earnt them a 26-12 win against the North Queensland Cowboys at home as the final siren sounded.