Raiders suffer loss to Broncos-Dolphins oufit

It may have been only a trial match but Canberra's overnight loss to a combined Queensland Cup outfit is set to see the 'Green Machine' firm as early NRL wooden spoon favourites for 2007.

In the first upset of the trials, the near full-strength Raiders went down 18-12 to the second grade Broncos-Redcliffe-Aspley at Dolphin Oval last night.

With the Brisbane Broncos first string squad in the UK for the World Club Challenge, it was left to their Queensland Cup feeder squad comprising of 10 players from the Aspley Broncos and nine players from the Recliffe Dolphins to take the field, the combined side running in four tries to two against the Raiders.

Canberra led 6-4 at halftime but poor handling allowed the Queenslanders back into the match, the 'Broncos'running in three tries in seven minutes in the latter part of the match to take an 18-6 lead.

Utility forward John Te Reo and winger Denam Kemp were standouts for the home side. Centre Joel Moon also impressed.

The victory may have come at a cost however with Kemp and Dolphins five-eighth Chris Fox forced from the field in the second half.

For next Saturday's trials, the Broncos take on the Storm at Princes Park, Melbourne while the Raiders meet Wests Tigers at Davies Park, Brisbane.

BRONCOS (ASPLEY/REDCLIFFE) 18 v RAIDERS 12 Scorers Broncos: D Kent, G Mzembe, R Cullen, N Emmett tries. B McConnell goal. Scorers Raiders: A Purtell, P Graham tries. M Dobson, T Carney goals. Dolphin Park, Redcliffe, QLD Crowd: Approx 4,500 7.30pm HALF TIME: Raiders 6-4 FULL TIME: Broncos 18-12