Raiders gallant in Prelim Final defeat to Roosters

The Raiders entered the matchup brimming with confidence and excitement as they fought for a position in the Grand Final against the undefeated Minor Premiers. 

The Raiders took the ball strongly off the kick-off and rallied together to make an early impact. However, the Roosters received an early penalty that resulted in a try in the corner by Jayme Fressard in the opening two minutes. A failed conversion held the score at 4-nil. 

After the Raiders fell just short of the try line, Isabelle Kelly made a line break, and a try-saving tackle by Sheridan Gallagher on the Rooster resulted in a penalty.

Sydney capitalised on the opportunity, and a quick pass from Keeley Nizza saw Rima Butler push her way over the line for their second try. Jocelyn Kelleher produced a successful conversion, and the Roosters led 10-0. 

The Raiders continued to produce countless try-saving tackles. Gallagher had an opportunity to show off her soccer skills to clean up the Roosters kick, while Lili Boyle was quick to play to the whistle and broke through the rattled Roosters line. Canberra fans knew something big was coming. 

With two minutes left of the first half and a quick jersey change to clean up a blooded jersey, Krystal Blackwell was ready to shine. Zahara Temara flicked the ball to Blackwell, who slid through the Roosters defence and sprinted for the line to score the Raiders first try. The conversion was unsuccessful, and the Raiders went into the break trailing 10-4. 

The Raiders kicked off the second half with a fierce determination. The back-and-forth play created fire and aggression between the sides as defence continued to win. Boyle received the ball and twisted through a tackle to fall over the line, but was held up, and the Raiders continued to look for a second try. 

Rooster centre Jessica Sergis was next to seize an opportunity when she swooped in to take the ball off a long kick and scored under the posts. Kelleher nailed the conversion from in front, and the score stretched to 16-4. 

A penalty gifted the Raiders a fresh set inside Sydney’s 20m, and they geared up for another four-pointer. Chante Temara passed the ball to Hollie-Mae Dodd from dummy half, and she dived under the posts to secure a second try for the Green Machine. It was an easy conversion for Zahara Temara to make it a six-point margin. 

In a final burst for points, Tarryn Aiken broke through the line and dove over to secure another four points and seal the match. 

After relentless efforts, the Raiders fell just short. The Sydney Roosters took home the 20-10 victory and a ticket to the Grand Final.