The South Pacific Raiders took advantage of an injury-hit Cowboys side to record a 74-14 win at Kensington Oval on Saturday.
Two standout players for the Raiders were captain Manassah Kutia and Issac Misky, who ‘‘tore their opponents apart'', according to coach David Reedy.
''Our attack is really starting to come together,'' Reedy said.
''We have refocused ourselves and set some goals for the rest of the season.''
Invercargill has a long list of injuries with seven starters unavailable, including one of the key men, Dylan Lovett, who broke his leg in a regulation tackle in a previous game. Cowboys coach Caine Aati said most of the injuries were coincidental.
''The injuries we have picked up are mostly freak accidents,'' Aati said.
''The Otago competition is definitely a step up for us but steel sharpens steel.''
In the weekend's other game, Kia Toa and the East Coast Eagles drew 22-22.
The Eagles came out fizzing and had a 16-4 lead at halftime, but Kia Toa showed why it is hard to beat, coming back to share the honours.
Kia Toa coach Ricky Fife was pleased his side clawed its way back into the game.
''We had our backs against the wall but our fitness held up and we were able to match their tempo in the end,'' Fife said.
Eagles coach Dave Broughton praised his players for their defence.'
''Defence wins games and we managed to hold them out. It was a game we could have won,'' Broughton said.
- Andrew King
