It’s safe to say that when the SFGG Rhinos and Glendale Raptors get together it’s going to be an exciting match to the end. Once again the teams played out a thrilling match only decided with a try with just seconds remaining with Glendale winning 29-24.
With the match drawn at 24-24 with just four minutes left thanks to a SFGG comeback. Still, that was enough time for Glendale as Dewon Reed scooped up the chip ahead and raced in for the winning try. With the win the Raptors will be able to head back to Infinity Park for the re-match later in the season having won on SFGG’s home ground.
Glendale carried the momentum early in the match and were justly rewarded when Martin Knoetze crossed over for yet another try from him on the season. However, that would last. First a penalty kick from Adrian Curry and then a try from Tom Rooke would put SFGG up 10-5 with 25 minutes played.
The Raptors would respond with a run that would stretch to either side of the half. First it was Zac Pauga to score to give the Raptors a lead heading into the break and then in the second half Armandt Peens and Reed would have tries to push the Glendale lead to 24-10.
Still, SFGG showed really fight as over a 15 minute span they put themselves back in contention. For it was Luke Watson that would score and then a few minutes later Brendan Dally crossed over. Both tries were converted by Curry setting up Reed’s heroics in the final minute.
For SFGG it was a disappointing loss at home to a rival. They did well to fight back but were heartbroken to have given up the final try. For Glendale, they will be happy to have come away from SFGG with a vital win and know that they have they have given themselves a great opportunity to make the final once again.
Glendale Raptors
Tries: Knoetze, Pauga, Peens, Reed (2)
Conversions: Peens (2)
SFGG Rhinos
Tries: Rooke, Watson, Daly
Conversions: Curry (3)
Penalties: Curry
