Wet Weather sees Faiders slip to the Storm

Melbourne have made it 12 from their last 14 at GIO Stadium, putting on 12 unanswered points in the second half.

The loss was further compounded for the Raiders with potential long term injuries to key players Shaun Fensom and hooker, Josh Hodgson.

The Raiders were in control at the break, completing 18/21 sets but after a brief shower on either side of halftime, they seemed to lose their way in the wet conditions.

Jesse Bromwich was outstanding for the visiting side making over 200 metres for the match and making crucial yards in key moments. Bromwich was superbly assisted by skipper Cameron Smith who made 57 tackles and was instrumental in the second half fight back.

With Billy Slater ruled out, his replacement Cameron Munster was excellent and was unfortunate not to score early, when he had a try was disallowed for obstruction.

The game was entertaining early with some excellent kicking from both Cooper Cronk and Sam Williams who both produced 40/20 kicks.

The first try came about through Raiders winger Jeremy Hawkins who did remarkably well to put the ball down with little room to move in the north-eastern corner. Croker extended the lead to 10-2 and the Raiders were in control of the match heading into the break.

The Storm came out a different side in the second half and in the 48th minute Mahe Fonua scored in the corner after a beautiful flick pass in wet conditions from Queensland State of Origin hopeful Will Chamber. Smith made no mistake from the sideline and Melbourne were back in it.

Five minutes later, Cameron Munster who was outstanding under the high ball, scored to put the Storm in front.

From there Melbourne never really looked threatened, however the Raiders did try hard despite losing Fensom and Hodgson in quick succession.

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Jesse Bromwich
2 points - Cameron Smith
1 point - Sam Williams

CANBERRA RAIDERS (10)
Tries: Jeremy Hawkins
Conversions: Jarrod Croker (1/1)
Penalty Goals: Jarrod Croker (2/2)

MELBOURNE STORM (14)
Tries: Mahe Fonua, Cameron Munster
Conversions: Cameron Smith (2/2)
Penalty Goals: Cameron Smith (1/1)

Welcome to the first game of Sunday Football. Conditions are perfect for Rugby League at GIO Stadium in Canberra, as the Raiders host the Storm. Canberra are 1-17 and Melbourne have one change with Billy Slater out, replaced by exciting youngster Cameron Munster in jersey #21. Melbourne have a great record in Canberra winning 11 of their past 13. The Raiders however won the corresponding fixture last year with Paul Vaughn scoring on the bell. This promises to be an exciting clash.

Raiders Prop Dane Tilse plays game 200 in the Lime Green

1: We are underway at GIO Stadium!

4: Good sets by both sides early, both sides have gone close to 40/20's early.

6: Storm on the attack, Cronk pushes the kick too long. Raiders 20m re-start.

7: Bromwich throws a forward pass. Raiders ball inside the Storm 40.

9: Kennedy spills the ball. Great defence Melbourne. Score remains 0-0.

10: Penalty Storm - Bromwich burst through a gap and Cronk ruled to be taken without the ball. Horrendous call looking at the replay,

13: 40/20 MELBOURNE STORM
Cooper Cronk kicks a 40/20.
He has been threatening and has pulled it off. Storm on the attack.

14: No try Melbourne. Munster denied his first try in first grade due to obstruction.

16: Munster defuses a bomb and takes off down field. Has been impressive early on.

17: Jack Wighton does likewise at the other end of the field. Great game so far!

19: Kurt Mann puts Koroibete away, great cover defence Raiders.

19: Raiders on the attack 10m out.

20: Great defence Melbourne and they hold the Raiders. 2-0 Melbourne.

21: Penalty Raiders - Croker scoots downfield and held down on the 1st tackle. Raiders on the attack again.

22: Penalty Raiders - Elect to take the shot. Kick to come.

22: SUCCESSFUL PENALTY GOAL CANBERRA RAIDERS
Penalty goal attempt by Jarrod Croker successful.
Raiders lock it up. 2 all.

23: UNFORCED ERROR MELBOURNE STORM
Cameron Munster makes an unforced error.
Munster drops it cold. Big chance Raiders.

11: SUCCESSFUL PENALTY GOAL MELBOURNE STORM
Penalty goal attempt by Cameron Smith successful.
The skipper makes no mistake.

25: TRY CANBERRA RAIDERS
Scored by Jeremy Hawkins. Kick to come.
Great try Hawkins. Manages to squeeze inside the chalk with a great put down.

26: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CANBERRA RAIDERS
Conversion attempt by Jarrod Croker successful.
Croker nails it from the sideline. Raiders in front 8-2.

27: 40/20 CANBERRA RAIDERS
Sam Williams kicks a 40/20.
What a play! Williams nails a 40/20 and Raiders on the attack.

27: Penalty count now 5-1 Raiders. Elect to take the shot, kick to come.

29: SUCCESSFUL PENALTY GOAL CANBERRA RAIDERS
Penalty goal attempt by Jarrod Croker successful.
Croker makes no mistake. Canberra 10 Storm 2.

31: Sisa Waqa bursts through but then trys to throw a silly pass. Razzle dazzle by the men in Green.

32: Storm get a penalty right in front of the posts. Elect to take the tap.

34: The rain starts in Canberra. Raiders get a penalty after another obstruction ruled against Melbourne.

37: UNFORCED ERROR MELBOURNE STORM
Blake Green makes an unforced error.
Throws a forward pass. Raiders get a chance before halftime.

38: UNFORCED ERROR CANBERRA RAIDERS
Jarrad Kennedy makes an unforced error.
The brief rain period seems to have made it a bit slippery. Kennedy spills the pill.

39: UNFORCED ERROR MELBOURNE STORM
Jesse Bromwich makes an unforced error.
Bromwich spills the ball.

40: Bit of a scuffle between Hodgson and Harris as they head to the sheds. Halftime Raiders 10 Storm 2.

40: The Raiders head into halftime with a deserved 10-2 lead. Has been an entertaining first half with some quality kicking and strong hits from both sides. The Raiders have completed 18/21 sets in the first half compared to the Storm with 12/21 and that has probably been the major difference. Two cracking 40/20's from both Cooper Cronk and Sam Williams have seen some quick and exciting challenges to the tryline. Jeremy Hawkins with the only try, which was questionable due to a possible obstruction. A brief shower towards the back end of the first half has made conditions slippery so we may see less risk from both teams in the second 40.
Stayed tuned we are in for a bumper 2nd half!

40: Underway in the 2nd Half!

43: Storm on the attack, but Edrick Lee pulls off a one on one steal on Will Chambers.

45: Josh Hodgson leaves the field with a leg injury and is being helped from the field...bad news for Canberra. Buttriss on.

46: Knock ons galore after more rain. Penalty Storm right in front of the posts. Storm take the tap.

47: Another line drop out from the Raiders. Blake Green finds Hawkins and the defence drives him back.

49: TRY MELBOURNE STORM
Scored by Mahe Fonua. Kick to come.
Class flick pass in the wet from Will Chambers sends Fonua over in the corner. Kick to come.

51: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION MELBOURNE STORM
Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful.
Smith lands the kick from the sideline. Melbourne looking good in the wet conditions at the moment.

53: TRY MELBOURNE STORM
Scored by Cameron Munster. Kick to come.
A sensational try from Cameron Munster after so great attack from the Storm. What wet conditions!

53: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION MELBOURNE STORM
Conversion attempt by Cameron Smith successful.
Storm have lifted. Storm 14 Canberra 10

56: Storm making good metres, looking a different team from the second half. Raiders a bit stunned.

57: Shaun Fensom has left the field in startling circumstances. Has left the field up the tunnel hobbling badly without assistance.

59: Cameron Smith goes very close to a 40/20. No dice. Raiders 20m tap.

61: Penalty Storm - Munster ruled to be taken out in the air. Having a great game at the back.

64: Injury update Raiders - Hodgson and Fensom will not return. Crucial injuries.

65: Raiders on the attack but Austin pushes the kick too far. Storm 20m re-start.

68: Croker puts Lee down the sideline who throws a great pass inside but cleaned up by Harris. Melbourne ball.

72: UNFORCED ERROR CANBERRA RAIDERS
Jack Wighton makes an unforced error.
Puts down a bomb on the attack. Williams looked to be taken late, referee says play on.

74: Great kick Blake Green puts the Raiders back in their own half.

75: Kurt Mann slips through on the first. Storm on the attack.

76: UNFORCED ERROR CANBERRA RAIDERS
Jarrod Croker makes an unforced error.
Knocks down the ball and Storm have the feed. Ring the alarm.

78: Great defence Raiders and Sam Williams takes an intercept and scoots downfield. Canberra 40m out!

79: UNFORCED ERROR CANBERRA RAIDERS
Josh Papalii makes an unforced error.
Raiders push the pass and knock on.

79: Croker chases a kick by Williams but dived on by Cameron Smith.

80: Fulltime - Melbourne 14 Canberra 10