Saturday saw the Mama Africa Raiders play a knockout semi-final against the Kuttabul Camelboks on their home turf at Whitsunday Sportspark.
It was a chance for Raiders to bounce back after their loss against Bowen in the preliminary final round. Even though the Whitsunday side were very disappointed in that previous loss, 11-14, they turned up for training and got on with the job at hand.
This semi-final was always going to be a battle, not only mentally, but also physically. Up against one of the bigger pack of forwards in the competition, the Raiders were ready to go to battle and the local rugby community turned up in numbers to support the men in green and black.
The Kuttabul forward pack were the first to score, crossing the line out wide, but were unable to convert, taking the lead 5-0, not for long though, as the raiders stood up and put on the pressure to come away with their own converted try taking back the lead 7-5.
Both teams were intent on pushing as hard as they could, and at the half time break, the Mama Africa Raiders were in the lead 17-13. Coach Andre Houston echoed one of his favourite sentiments: “The game is not won in the first three quarters; it is won in the last.”
Fifteen minutes into the second half the game was in the balance with Kuttabul ahead 32-27, and the crowd on the edge of their seats. As they have shown throughout the year, the Raiders were not about to let this game get away from them and stepped up a notch, taking control of the ball and with some straight runs, line breaks and quick ball through the hands managed to put a further 21 points on the board and take out the game 48-32.
Well done to all the Mama Africa Raiders players, coaches, and staff, second year running, into the grand final.
This will be played out between the Mama Africa Raiders and the Bowen Mudcrabs on Saturday, September 17 at BB Print stadium, Mackay. Check out the Proserpine/Whitsunday Rugby Union Club Inc. Facebook page for kick off times and any other information on the game.
Players of the day Joel Hoffmann three points, Brodie Elson two points, and Jack Briskey one point.
Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence
Tackler Kainoa Close-Houston, assisting Brodie Elson background Jack Briskey, side Kumya Gabey
Try scorer Connor Spence, 15, Aden Spence, and Rhys Ward
Niall Clancy, Joel Hoffmann (ball carrier) and Jye Hawkins
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
