Raiders dominate Bulldogs in huge win at Accor

The game kicked off in a fierce battle, with both forward packs making a huge impact early on.

The Bulldogs looked to have the first points on the board, but a knock-on by Jethro Rinakama as he dove over the line gifted the Raiders a chance with the ball. As the home side began to celebrate the try, Xavier Savage scooped up the ball and sprinted down the length of the field to score the opening try. Ethan Sanders converted the try and the Raiders led 6-nil to kickstart the action.

The Canberra forwards continue to showcase their power on the field with attacking brilliance. Raiders hooker Owen Patty kicked a 40/20 to put the Raiders in position, before Sanders flicked the ball to Noah Martin to score a try on his return.

The Raiders were quick to keep their momentum going before Sanders found Zac Hosking with a pinpoint kick to score another try and extend their lead. Sanders continued to deliver perfect conversions and the Raiders led the Bulldogs 18-nil.

The Bulldogs began to look shaky, with dropped balls and missed opportunities as the Raiders continued to apply pressure to the home side. Their inability to pack the scrum gifted the Raiders a penalty goal and a comfortable 20-point lead. 

Sanders was gifted another penalty goal right on halftime to take a 22-nil lead into the halftime break.

Both teams came into the second half firing, with the Raiders set to maintain their lead and the Bulldogs desperate to earn some points.

The Canterbury side were geared up to score their first try of the game. Stephen Crichton kicked perfectly across to Rinakama who ground the ball over the line for the Bulldogs first four-pointer.

The Raiders did not slow down. Pattie kicked his second 40/20 of the game and Hosking took his chance to charge through the middle of the Bulldogs defence and score his second of the afternoon. Sanders converted from in front of the posts to extend their lead.

Pattie and Hosking continued to impress and surprise the Sydney crowd. Savage tapped a loose ball straight into Pattie's waiting hands, who flicked it over the defence to Hosking, and the Raiders lock was in for a hat trick. Sanders converted in front for a 30-point lead.

An obstruction penalty shortly after gifted the Raiders another two-point penalty and the Raiders led 36-4.

After an injury delay that saw Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton leave the field, the teams were back in action.

Ethan Strange won a brave one-on-one strip and the Raiders found themselves back at the Bulldogs line. Sanders sent a grubber through the legs of the defence that was chased down by Simi Sasagi, who scored to extend the score 40-4. 

The Bulldogs scored two late tries through Matt Burton and Connor Tracey but it was all too late as Canberra claimed a dominant 40-16 victory.

The Raiders will look to continue their success and keep their final hopes alive as they return home next Saturday to face the South Sydney Rabbitohs.