Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="Big Pete, post: 3083699, member: 1899"] I'm not sure about you guys, but I reckon Canberra may want that opening 10 minutes back. For whatever reason, they were so slow to start and when Tapine turned his back while defending on his own goal-line, it just appeared they were happy to be there. That Verrills try would have to rate right up there as one of the softest in grand final history and for a game that was marketed around two of the best defensive sides, it was such an anti-climax. Credit to the Raiders for being able to get back into the grind. Even when the Roosters were marching all over them, they kept it extremely simple and it eventually paid off. The Raiders are extremely good at contesting cross-field kicks down their left hand side and in a game of this magnitude, those high percentage plays are worth their weight in gold. In this instance, Whitehead caused Tedesco to turn the ball over and Wighton against a disorganised line made them pay. It's a testament to the Raiders that they didn't concede a try after the Lui mistake. In years gone by, that error would have decided the game, but a couple of strong defensive efforts particularly from Wighton and Croker denied the Roosters. It was around that passage of the game where it appeared momentum had actually shifted and Sydney appeared rattled. The Raiders certainly believed that since they started to play with more width. In the first half, they seemed to exclusively play down their left hand side and just seemed intent on getting to their kick. In the second they were beginning to spin more in the tackles and look for second phase, Bateman and Leilua were getting a lot more ball and the Roosters were being run around ragged. Then as soon as they levelled the scores, they went back into their shells and only looked likely if CNZ was able to put together a good kick return. Once again, the Raiders started to rely more on getting to their kick instead of challenging the Roosters around the field, so despite all the possession and territory, they only came close to scoring on one occassion. Sydney had to play off the back-foot and they did exceptionally well. They fired a warning shot when Radley put Taukeiaho threw a gap, only to land the match winner when Tedesco scored following Mitchell's sublime flick pass. Sydney are an adventurous side and their style of football proved the difference when the game was there to be won. I'm surprised that Wighton was awarded the CC Medal. I didn't think any of the playmakers played particularly well and thought it was decided by the forwards in the middle and the backs returning the ball. In fairness to the selectors, Wighton did appear the most likely of the Raiders players, but I thought his decision making was spotty. I don't think he was helped by Hodgson who was short a gallop either just quietly. [/QUOTE]

Verification

Active Now

No members online now.

Total: 4 (members: 0, guests: 4)

Reply to thread

Log in

Active Now