Match Report

Eastern Raiders started their season with a hard fought win against Hainault. Tries by Daz Mason and George Liversidge gave the Raiders an 8-4 half-time lead before Hainault seemed to take control win two converted tries to go ahead 20-8. But two well worked scores by Charlie Sadler and Rob Pickard narrowed the gap to four points before Hainault looked to have sealed the game with another converted try to lead 26-16 with 10 minutes to go.

A second Pickard try for the Raiders set up an exciting finish and the pressure told on the Bulldogs when they conceded possession 10 metres from their line. Eastern Raiders took full advantage and hooker Joe McMillan scored a try at the death to level the scores. Daz Mason coolly slotted over the conversion to win the game for the home team.