In a thrilling showdown at WIN Stadium, the Dragons pulled off an unexpected 18-12 victory against the top-ranked Raiders, halting their nine-game winning streak amidst challenging weather conditions. The match showcased the Dragons’ resilience and tactical prowess, as the Raiders struggled in the second half, plagued by unforced errors.
Canberra’s centre, Matthew Timoko, shone brightly with two first-half tries, marking his second double in consecutive weeks. However, despite Timoko’s efforts, the Raiders failed to score in the second half, leaving their performance wanting.
Dragons halfback Kyle Flanagan demonstrated his kicking precision, converting both tries and successfully adding three penalty goals, ultimately finishing with a perfect kicking rate. Flanagan’s contributions were vital, especially in a tight match where the weather played a significant role.
The opening moments saw Dragons’ Mathew Feagai break the deadlock with a try in the ninth minute, deftly outmanoeuvring Timoko. As the rain poured and winds howled, Flanagan’s remarkable conversion extended the Dragons’ lead. Timoko quickly equalised with a solo effort in the 23rd minute, showcasing his strength and agility as he fended off multiple defenders.
Unusual scenes unfolded when Raiders’ Hudson Young held the kicking tee steady for Jamal Fogarty as he attempted a wind-swept conversion, which unfortunately fell short. Meanwhile, Flanagan capitalised on penalties to extend the Dragons’ lead further, including a successful field goal after the Raiders were penalised for a ruck infringement.
As the half drew to a close, Timoko secured his second try, and Fogarty’s conversion equalised the score at 10-all at half-time, leaving the contest wide open for the second half. Concerns grew for the Dragons, who faced the formidable challenge of playing into the wind after the break.
The Dragons struck first in the second half with Corey Allan scoring a try, assisted by Feagai’s pass. Despite a series of penalties and injuries, including a shoulder charge on Hame Sele by Young and a high tackle from David Klemmer leading to a report, both teams continued to fight for dominance.
Flanagan’s field goal further widened the gap, but the Raiders responded with Fogarty reducing the deficit to a converted try. Ultimately, the Dragons’ solid performance was enough, allowing them to secure a well-deserved victory despite the Raiders’ late push.
In summary, the match was a testament to the Dragons’ tenacity and skill under pressure, while the Raiders will need to refine their strategies and resolve errors as they head into the final stages of the competition.