Raiders Reach Semi-Finals at 9s Tournament
Dan Neal (7) takes the ball in against Brixton Bulls
READING Raiders Rugby League Club reached the semi-finals of the Brighton 9s tournament on Saturday (24).
On the Raiders’ second appearance at the tournament, having made its rugby league debut there last year, Reading lost out to the winners of the competition, Richmond, to miss out on a spot in the final.
In the group stage, the Raiders narrowly lost to Brixton Bulls and were then defeated by London Chargers A but two comprehensive victories over Medway Dragons and Telford Raiders secured Reading’s first ever appearance in the knockout stage of any competition.
The hardy 11 players gave it everything in the semi-final and were unfortunate to have a try chalked off when they were threatening a comeback having gone behind early on, but it wasn’t to be.
Raiders 9s 2017: The squad pose for a post-tournament photo; Raiders 9s 2017
Chairman, Andrew Belt, said: “The effort of the squad today has to go down as the highlight in our club’s short history. The boys battled for everything and surpassed all expectations we had of ourselves.
“It had extra meaning for us, having first taken to a field as the Raiders a year ago in the same tournament. That day we drew one game and lost three. To be reaching the semi-finals and performing like we did just a year later is fantastic.
“I’m so proud of everyone who wore the shirt in Brighton and I can honestly say that the club is moving in the right direction.”
Reading next return to action when they host Devon Sharks in a friendly at Berkshire County Sports Club on Saturday, July 8.
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