Raiders spring the upset against the Bunnies

Match Summary The Canberra Raiders have defeated the South Sydney Rabbitohs 16-10 at Telstra Stadium this evening.

In what can only be described as an ordinary game of football, Souths had all the possession but failed to turn that into points, a dilemma they faced against Brisbane last week, that ultimately led to their defeat in that match.

Somehow, the Raiders scored three tries after making a mountain of errors with the ball but there were some positive signs for the Raiders, especially the form of rookie wingers David Milne and Bronx Goodwin with Milne scoring a try and Goodwin playing a major part in the match winning try. Both were excellent under the high ball and far exceeded expectations when compared to their predecessors.

Canberra now move to eight points with the bye next week and the opportunity to work on their attack and ball security, while their defence was very impressive compared to what they showed against Manly last week.

From a positional standpoint, Todd Carney needs to be second receiver with Michael Dobson back at half back to run the side around the park and Terry Campese back to the bench as an interchange utility.

Souths need to go back to the drawing board and find a way to score points, with only one try tonight and with close losses in their last three matches, morale will take a hammering.

Best for the Raiders were Lincoln Withers, who got through a mountain of work and the wingers Bronx Goodwin and David Milne also very impressive.

Souths best were Jeremy Smith and Roy Asotasi but that means little in the face of a loss that should have never been.

Round 9 - Full Time :: May 12th, 2007 07:30 PM Venue: Telstra Stadium Referee: Gavin Badger

South Sydney Rabbitohs 10 Tries: Shannon Hegarty Goals: Joe Williams (3/3) Canberra Raiders 16 Tries: David Milne, Todd Carney, Adrian Purtell Goals: Todd Carney (2/4)

Half time: Rabbitohs 6-0

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match 3 Points: Lincoln Withers (Raiders) 2 Points: Adrian Purtell (Raiders) 1 Point: Jeremy Smith (Rabbitohs)

Live LeagueUnlimited Commentary 1 min: We are underway at Telstra Stadium!

3 min: David Milne takes a good bomb right on his own line and the Raiders now have to work the ball up field.

5 min: Bronx Goodin takes a spectacular bomb over Nathan Merritt.

8 min: Souths with all the field position at the moment. Terry Campese from Canberra looks to have sustained a leg injury.

10 min: Possible try to Canberra...

10 min: No try. 20 metre restart.

12 min: Nathan Merritt drops the ball just before the Raiders line and bombs a certain try. Canberra kick a 40/20 on the ensuing set of six to put the pressure back on the Bunnies.

14 min: Todd Carney gives up a penalty with an obstruction on the last tackle.

17 min: Nathan Merritt pulls off a superb try saving tackle on Bronx Goodwin and dislodges the ball in the process. Great play!

21 min: Bronx Goodwin takes another superb bomb to take the pressure off the Raiders.

24 min: Possible try to Souths...

24 min: No try. Knocked forward by Souths.

25 min: Canberra are starting to self destruct with some stupid handling errors and Souths are right on the attack now.

26 min: TRY South Sydney Rabbitohs Shannon Hegarty scores for Souths on the back of stupid errors from Canberra who have only completed two of their last nine sets. Conversion attempt by Joe Williams successful. South Sydney Rabbitohs 6-0

30 min: Goal line drop out for Souths with Nathan Merritt caught in goal. Canberra have not shown anything in attack close to Souths line.

31 min: Canberra drop the ball AGAIN on Souths line and show their incompetence in attack once more.

36 min: Canberra have been dreadful in attack tonight and are lucky to only be behind by six at the moment. They have been awful.

40 min: ATTEMPTED PENALTY GOAL Canberra Raiders Carney hits the post with the attempted conversion but the Raiders fail to secure the ball and score. South Sydney Rabbitohs 6-0

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

42 min: Canberra start the second half the way they finished the first, terrible. Todd Carney kicks out on the full to give the Bunnies good field position for their opening set of six.

47 min: Canberra continue to self destruct with some of the worst football I have seen this season. The Raiders stink big time!

48 min: Canberra drop the ball in the play the ball yet again. This is the wrost Raiders side since 1982!

50 min: TRY Canberra Raiders David Milne scores his first tryin first grade to get the Raiders back into the match. How these sides are level is beyond me. Conversion attempt by Todd Carney successful. 6 all

57 min: PENALTY GOAL South Sydney Rabbitohs Joe Williams inches Souths ahead through a penalty goal. South Sydney Rabbitohs 8-6

60 min: PENALTY GOAL South Sydney Rabbitohs Canberra starting to self destruct again, giving away two penalties to give Souths a four point lead. South Sydney Rabbitohs 10-6

65 min: Nathan Merritt drops the ball cold right in front of his own posts. Canberra don't look like scoring though. No organisation in attack.

68 min: TRY Canberra Raiders Amazingly, Canberra score through Todd Carney off a Neville Costigan short ball. It is amazing Canberra are still in this match. Conversion attempt by Todd Carney successful. Canberra Raiders 12-10

74 min: Possible try to Souths...

74 min: No try with Shannon Hegarty knocking on trying to scoop up the ball when he tried to score.

77 min: Possible try to Canberra...

77 min: TRY Canberra Raiders Canberra have scored of an Alan Tongue bomb with Bronx Goodwin knocking the ball back for Adrian Purtell to score in the corner. Conversion attempt by Todd Carney unsuccessful. Canberra Raiders 16-10

80 min: Souths had a late chance to take the match into extra time but drop the ball. Canberra won but were anything but impressive and will welcome the bye next week with both sides needing a lot of work to be competitive this year.