Raiders (3)
Matches
Sat 23 Feb 2019
HKU Sandy Bay RFC
Raiders (3)
22
26
Herbert Smith Freehills HKU Sandy Bay Raiders
Raiders v Top of the table Tigers

Raiders v Top of the table Tigers

Kenneth Carnduff1 Mar 2019 - 15:25
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J. Goepel & J. Stevenson

After an emphatic win against Kowloon a week earlier, confidence was high amongst the Sandy Bay Raiders ahead of the Tigers game. A strong showing at Tuesday and Thursday training camps helped further augment an already improved set piece and break down play.
With some quintessential British weather setting the scene, the boys took the early KP kickoff in stride and is if Thursday’s PTSS / Friday night’s shenanigans were mere child’s play.
The Tigers drew first blood as a rogue pass in the back line was deftly intercepted by a Tigers Centre who ran in a try from the halfway line. Raiders regrouped to witness the conversion sail over the posts to put the good guys 7 points adrift within 3 minutes of play.
However, it would take more than this early set back to bring down this plucky band of brothers and with Tony “Bundaberg” Scott showing incredible athleticism under the high ball, Raiders were soon back in control and edging into the Tigers 22. After a couple of forwards plays, Tom “Took her for a drink on Tuesday” McKenzie rocketed into the Tigers backline, bolstered by JJ “No Beers on the Bus” Nazer, and broke into open space 10 meters from the line, easing in the first of Sandy Bays points that day. An easy follow-up conversion by Mckenzie’s foot evened up the score and got the guys fired up for more.
Shortly afterwards, the forwards showed off their recent preparation for the upcoming beach season by mauling through the Tiger’s pack as if bench pressing a cool 140kg. Rumours quickly spread throughout the Tiger’s side that Jeffery ‘Little Guy’ Chin’s strength mirrored that of a young Arnold Schwarzenegger. Smash after smash, eventually Staten ‘Too Good Looking’ Goepel fell over the line for 5 more Raider’s points which were unfortunately not complimented by Mckenzie.
The Tiger’s thereafter gained a bit of momentum which got them into the Raider’s half. After a penalty was awarded to the Striped fellas, a loss of composure by an unnamed American led to a further yellow which left the good guys a man down in their own 10. Nevertheless, the boys dug deep down into their plums and defended the line better than a Donald Trump wall.
One more try with a missed conversion by the Tigers wrapper up the half and set the stage for a not even hungover / hungry Raider’s team to showcase their talents...
The Tiger’s attempted to get things going in the second half with a break down the wing but the ever reliant / trustworthy skills of our beloved winger Charlie ‘Oliver’ Woolmington stop them clear in their tracks. Just kidding, Pete ‘I Work in Shipping’ Budd missed a tackle which led to another Tiger’s try but no conversion.
Unamused by the Tiger’s offensive, Owen ‘Plays Social Rugby’ Pescod, made a play so beautiful off of the kickoff that it is now being described as the Sistine Chapel of rugby to put 5 more on the board for the Raiders. Tommy Mac found his spirit animal, Craig David’s groove once again and sailed another one through the uprights to add 2 on.
The gents kept the momentum going by some beautiful back line play where the Raider’s own Frenchman, Matthieu ‘McDonalds’ Jonsé, showed that playing Rugby League is the same same but different. Some more moves down the field and impressive forwards smashing by Liam ‘Should be a Prop’ Bowen and Elton ‘John’ Cheng setup a smooth offload to Owen for his second try of the day. Craig David filled in another 2 to cap it off.
The Tiger’s had themselves one more try but the damage was done. The Rider’s took down the league champs with great tenacity and it truly was an all around team effort to get the job done.
UP THE BAY!

Match details

Match date

Sat 23 Feb 2019

Kickoff

13:15

Location

Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Shorts Sponsor - Joint Dynamics
Community - ImpactHK
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