Brighton 9s a Success for Raiders

The Raiders gave a creditable performance on their competitive debut at the Brighton 9s tournament last Saturday (25).

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Formed only two months ago, a squad of 11 players took to the south coast to compete in the club’s first competitive fixtures.

Despite most players being relatively new to the game, the Raiders gained a draw against St Albans Centurions, ran London Chargers and Brixton Bulls close before succumbing more easily to eventual champions, Hammersmith Hills Hoists.

Setting themselves a target of a try and a committed defensive line, Reading surpassed expectations with joint-captains, Andy Parr (twice) and Ben Carter, touching down while league debutant George House also scored two tries.

Forwards, Matt Mclellan, Mikey Habasune-Cowdery, Parr and House laid a platform for the Raiders to go forward with Carter and Matt Eldridge impressing at hooker and stand-off respectively.

Raiders Head Coach, Mike Farrow, said, “We started really well. We were up against experienced, well-drilled opponents and didn't look out of place. I was pleased to see us shut down opposition players who I knew were very good.

“It was a difficult day but we achieved our objectives. We scored tries, we showed we have a decent understanding of the game. We went up against the eventual winners and didn't take a backwards step.

“I'm incredibly proud of this team. I feel that if this group stays together, we can really make progress in 2017. They're a really good bunch of lads with the right attitude.”

The Raiders are set to play their first ever 13-a-side game at Swindon St George A tomorrow (Saturday July 2).

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