However, plans went astray in the first 45 minutes as an enthusiastic Scorpions launched into every tackle with a grim determination that later in the match produced a number of yellow cards for the home side.

It was the Scorpions’ Joel Parkin who really set the home crowd buzzing on 16 minutes after he outpaced the Raiders defence to fire in Sawtell’s first from 22m. It was a tad against the run of play as the Raiders had been pressing at the other end, however Parkin was good enough to get on the end of a clearance and did enough to put the home side ahead.

It was early days though and if the Raiders were concerned it didn’t manifest itself in their play as they continued to hold possession and press for an equaliser.

Then came a free kick, awarded on the halfway line, which was taken by Sawtell’s Luke France. It looped into the Raiders’ penalty area and was met by Parkin’s blonde locks - punching into the Raiders’ net.

The Scorpion faithful were cock-a-hoop with a 2-0 lead at home at the break.

Just what Rachael Oberleuter said to her squad at the interval would be pure conjecture  but the effect was there for all to see.

In the second half the Scorpions lost some of their control, and appeared down on energy.

The Raiders exploited the extra time on the ball and were able to crack in their first via Joseph Andrew Pettit after only six minutes of the resumption.

Now there are few in the Raider camp as dedicated to the beautiful game as Joey - indeed rumour has it he has a bed-quilt made entirely of the covers of past match balls - and he took his opportunity with a cool head from inside the Scorpions penalty area.

From there, pressure continued to mount on the Scorpions. Ben Dooley, Grant Homes and Kale Hooper steered the Raiders around and largely controlled the middle of the park.

It was Fabrice Wamara who evened the scores midway through the half, his strength and determination creating a half chance that was all he required.

With 20 minutes to go the Scorpions were fighting hard just to keep the Raiders out, let alone generate any meaningful attack of their own.

And so, with nine minutes left, the home side conceded a penalty after another Urunga attack produced an unfortunate hand ball. The penalty was converted by Kale Hopper to produce a final 3-2 score line.

The return match will be at The Cabbage Patch this Saturday at 5pm and should be another interesting affair.

In other matches, the Raiders women had a stirring 2-1 win over Coffs Lionesses after being one down at the break and they will play the return match at Maclean St. The U17 boys had a character building experience, going down 6-1 and will look to atone this weekend as well. Go you Raiders!