Raiders smash Titans in points-fest

In a match largely overshadowed by the stunning news about Sonny Bill Williams leaving the country, the Raiders have steamrolled an injury-hit Gold Coast Titans outfit by a whopping 46-4 at Canberra Stadium this evening.

Terry Campese turned in a masterful performance and guided the Raiders to an emphatic victory that was all but confirmed shortly after halftime.

The Titans were the stronger starting side, managing the first points through an Anthony Laffranchi try - but after that it was all the home side - 46 unanswered points rolling the depleted visitors into submission. The Raiders led by 18 at halftime and went on with the job, Colin Best eventually bagging a double and Terry Campese amassing 14 points himself as Canberra went to town on a chilly night in the nation's capital.

The win propels Canberra into the top eight and forces the Gold Coast down a run on for-and-against. It marks the first time the Titans have fallen from the top eight since the beginning of the season - and if their injury toll doesn't improve, they could fall further. Meanwhile, the Raiders are cruising underneath the radar and could be this year's surprise packet.

Next week will see the Raiders travel to Suncorp Stadium to face Brisbane, the Titans not so lucky - they face Melbourne at Olympic Park next Friday night.

Match Details Canberra Raiders 46 def Gold Coast Titans 4 Round 20 - Saturday July 26th, 2008 5:30pm Venue: Canberra Stadium Referee: Tony De Las Heras Touch Judges: Steve Carrall, Chris James Video Referee: Graeme West Halftime: Raiders 22-4 Crowd: 8,700 (approx)

Canberra Raiders (46) Tries: David Milne, Colin Best (2), Marc Herbert, Justin Carney, Joe Picker, Ben Jones, Adrian Purtell Goals: Terry Campese (7/8) Gold Coast Titans (4) Tries: Anthony Laffranchi Goals: Brad Davis (0/1)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Terry Campese (Raiders) 2 Points: Joe Picker (Raiders) 1 Point: Colin Best (Raiders)

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary RAIDERS: 1. David Milne 2. Colin Best 3. Marshall Chalk 4. Joel Monaghan 5. Adrian Purtell 6. Terry Campese 7. Marc Herbert 8. Troy Thompson 9. Ryan Hinchcliffe 10. Dane Tilse 11. Glen Turner 12. Joe Picker 13. Alan Tongue (c) Interchange: 14. Ben Jones 15. Trevor Thurling 16. Scott Logan 17. Neville Costigan. Reserves: 18. Glen Buttriss TITANS: 1. Preston Campbell 2. Jordan Rapana 3. Gavin Cooper 4. Brett Delaney 5. Jordan Atkins 6. Ashley Harrison 7. Brad Davis 8. Michael Henderson 9. Nathan Friend 10. Michael Hodgson 11. Anthony Laffranchi 12. Daniel Conn 13. Josh Graham Interchange: 14. James Stosic 15. Will Matthews 16. Luke Swain 17. Luke O