A valiant South Pacific Raiders side maintained its unbeaten run by edging University 30-22 at the Oval on Saturday.
From the first whistle, the Raiders appeared well oiled, completing sets and gaining valuable territory.
Louis Tili was quick to assert his team's dominance through pinpoint kicking and commanding play, while Adam Tapsell kept his team moving forward.
Although University was tenacious and organised, a swift change of direction saw its defence fold.
Tili swung blind and spread the ball, which ended up over the line and in the hands of Charles Waters.
Further deft footwork and kicking saw the Raiders pressing University again. Ben Garratt showed great vision as he ran a fantastic short ball, resulting in his team's second try.
The students tightened up their offence and showed skill as they completed their sets and remained calm.
Blair Foster worked hard as he beat three Raiders before dotting down for University's first try.
University made the most of its possession as Tyson Ball worked well off Emmett Hurley to make important gains.
The students found themselves in the lead by showing good hands and spreading the ball out to the wing.
The Raiders then had a try disallowed, which led to a dispute between the teams and the Raiders losing a man to the bin.
The students capitalised and surged ahead through tries to Jalan Wallace and Joe Bywater on either side of the half.
As the Raiders returned to full strength, they used Steven Campbell and Sam Brame to attack University's lines.
Shaun Tahan returned from time away in sublime fashion as he picked a chip from mid-air to dot down for another Raiders try. Geoff Horsburgh quickly followed, scoring off a flat ball provided by Tili.
Tili continued to command his team and eventually slipped through the defence to give it the lead.
Steven Campbell sealed the Raiders' win as he fortuitously scored off an up-and-under.
The East Coast Eagles soared to a 16-point lead against the Kia Toa Tigers in the second match of the round.
The Tigers levelled the scores just before halftime and ran away with the game in the second half to win 40-24.
- Thomas Heaton
