Round 3: North Coast Hotel Group Premier League
The Raiders V Grafton Tigers, Round 3 of the North Coast Football Premier League, looked a certain win for the Urunga side.
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I mean, the Raiders put eight unanswered goals past them in round 1 of the FFA Cup in late February at their home ground, Barnier Park. So on the road at the Cabbage Patch ... a big ask?
The Raiders Reserve grade paved the way for a big day at the Patch, 9-0 in that one with hat tricks to Cale Simmonds (first half) and Nick O’Mullane (second half), Fabrice Wamara a brace and Connor Spatz with one, plenty of missed chances to boot and Matty Marsden man of the match.
The main game governed by Dave Connor only 10 minutes old before the Raiders unlocked a creaky Tigers defence after Tim Rupprecht danced around the Tigers Anthony Wall and sent a cross for Ben Dooley to stroke in.
Looked simple enough but the lead play up had pulled the Tigers apart with changes of direction and in the end an unmarked Dooley scored a simple goal. The combination of Dooley 1, Rupprecht 4 and McGovern 4 must’ve pleased head coach, Paul Pomroy, as they bounced off each other with an alacrity and speed that really was beyond the Grafton side’s defensive capabilities.
In a highlight and perhaps a first for the North Coast Premier League, Grant Homes current president of the Urunga Raiders Football Club answered the call after Matty Smith the Raiders goal keeper succumbed to a niggling knee injury after the first half and with Lee Kennedy the Raiders other keeper on an international modelling assignment, Pomroy looked around and pointed at Homsey who duly donned the gloves, swept a hand through those flaming red locks and kept a clean sheet, haha good stuff indeed.
In the end it was one way traffic, the Grafton Tigers played in both fixtures with heart and conviction but were outclassed on the day.
The Raiders next encounter may not be so forgiving as they face the Northern Storm the game set down to be played at the Cabbage Patch kickoffs at 12 and 2 pm the Sunday hope to see you on the hill.
Go You Raiders!