Sport
11 April, 2025
Raiders lose to Crusaders
AFTER months of vigorous and intense preseason training, the Port Douglas Reef Raiders have officially started their 2025 campaign.
The Raiders were supposed to begin their campaign in Cairns on March 22 but was postponed due to weather conditions, so they were lucky enough to open their season at home.
The Raiders started training in the baking January heat trying to erase last year’s finals heartbreak and return to the top of the table.
Multiple coaches and players were asked if they’re using the finals loss as extra motivation moving forward, the common response being “not really, it’s definitely on our minds, but regardless of last year’s result, we’re always determined to play the best style of football we can”.
On Saturday, March 29, the Raiders played their much-anticipated season opener in front of a great home crowd, and amazing football conditions.
In the last few seasons, the Raiders and Crusaders have seen some great games and fiery matchups, with the Raiders recently having the upper hand.
Raiders coach Richard Johnston said that “both teams came out flying and played a high-level game of football.”
The first half was a grind with both team’s fitness and coordination being put to the test, giving the home fans exactly what they wanted out of a season opener.
The second half saw the same out of both sides, continuing with their clean form and playing a great game.
Unfortunately for the Raiders in the second half, the game slipped away with the Crusaders coming out on top with a 36-24 victory.
Coach Richard Johnston said “they had a bit more possession than us in the second half and capitalised on their scoring opportunities.”
The Raiders now look to their next game where they play Barron Trinity and look to get revenge for last season’s preliminary final heartbreak and find themselves in the winning circle for the first time in 2025.
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