Broncos make
it nine in a row

Fulltime score: Round 14 Brisbane Broncos 20 v Canberra Raiders 12

Match summary:

The Brisbane Broncos have run out 20-12 winners over the Canberra Raiders at Canberra Stadium this evening.

The game was played in the worst of conditions with torrential rain making puddles visible on the playing surface. Surprisingly, Brisbane adapted to the conditions much better than the home side and took a 12-6 lead into half time with first half tries to David Stagg and Leon Bott.

Canberra had their chances in both halves but some poorly executed plays, especially the last tackle options cost the Raiders any chance of winning tonight. They now lose tough with the top four and look like dropping out of the top eight after such an excellent start to the season.

Brisbane continue their strangle hold on the competition lead as they move to 24 points, only two wins from securing a berth in the top eight just over half way through the season. It has to also be remembered the Broncos had six players on Origing duty and were unavailable tonight. A factor that makes the win all the more significant for the Broncos.

The Raiders are missing the class of Jason Smith but it must be said Lincoln Withers was barely sighted tonight and when he was, came up with the wrong options, including some costly errors.

The Broncos face the Tigers next week while the Raiders face the Bulldogs in what is shaping as a do or die clash for both sides. The loser can almost certainly kiss the top eight goodbye, whilst the victor gets a chance to build some momentum as we move into the back half of the premiership.

Scorers: CANBERRA RAIDERS Tries: Schifcofske, Adamson Goals: Schifcofske 2/2 BRISBANE BRONCOS Tries: Stagg, Bott, D Smith Goals: Seymour 4/4

Live commentary: 1st min: We are underway at a wet Canberra Stadium this evening.

8th min: Terrible conditions with both teams not holding the ball but the Broncos have just forced a goal line drop out.

13th min: Video ref rules no try to Phil Graham as the Raiders continue to apply the pressure but come up empty.

20th min: Still no score but the Raiders are handling the conditions a little better midway through the first half. The Raiders have also employed an effective kicking game against the big Broncos pack.

28th min: TRY - Broncos. David Stagg scores underneath the posts to get the opening try. Canberra are making far too many errors on the Broncos line and Brisbane made them pay. Conversion successful. Broncos 6-0.

36th min: TRY - Raiders. Clinton Schifcofske crosses out wide after some clever cut out play from Lincoln Withers. Conversion successful. 6 all.

39th min: TRY - Broncos. Leon Bott races past several Raiders players to score off a Brent Tate kick. A real heartbreaker right on half time for the Raiders. Conversion successful. Broncos 12-6.

HALF TIME: Brisbane deserve to be in front because they have played smarter footy than the Raiders who have simply coughed up possession too cheaply too many times. The conditions are atrociuos and it will take a massive effort from the Raiders to get home in a game they desperately need to win.

41st min: We are underway in the second half.

48th min: Both teams playing within themselves but the Raiders have had their chances and again, have come up emtpy. Poor last tackle options are a big concern for Canberra.

52nd min: PENALTY GOAL - Broncos. Pathetic decision from the touch judge gifts an easy two points to the Broncos and possibly the match as they take an eight point lead. Broncos 14-6.

58th min: TRY - Broncos. Darren Smith scores out wide as the Raiders decide they've had enough for tonight and quite possibly, season 2005. A very poor performance from the Raiders who look to be going through the motions for the remainder of 2005. Conversion successful. Broncos 20-6.

64th min: Canberra had a chance but Lincoln Withers drops the ball five metres out from the Broncos line. They are playing like amatuers.

70th min: The game is deteriorating but the Raiders have shown no urgency whatsoever. A predictable and poor kicking game from the Raiders has given them no chance in the second half.

72nd min: TRY - Raiders. Adamson crosses out wide to give the Raiders a faint hope of a miracle comeback. Conversion successful. Broncos 20-12.

FULL TIME: Brisbane win their ninth straight game in terrible conditions while the Raiders sink further into the abyss, recording their fourth consecutive loss and now find themselves on the edge of the top eight.

----------------------------------------- Leagueunlimited.com players of the match: 3 - S Webcke (Broncos) 2 - A Tongue (Raiders) 1 - C Parker (Broncos) -----------------------------------------