The St George Illawarra Dragons have pulled off a big upset and kept the minor premiership race alive for the Bulldogs after a stunning 18-12 win in atrocious conditions in Wollongong.
Conditions forced the hill to be closed at WIN Stadium and with winds gusting over 50 km/h the wind favoured the hosts big time and they capitalised of mounting pressure just after the ten minute mark when Mat Feagai crossed through some soft defence. The conversion was good.
Despite having all the ball and territory against them, the Raiders closed the gap when the Dragons failed to take advantage of the wind at their backs and Matt Timoko sliced through for an easy try. Jamal Fogarty needed some assistance to keep the ball on the tee but the wind pushed it away.
The Red ‘V' continued with field position dominance but they couldn't take advantage but did add two penalty goals when the Raiders ill-discipline gifted them the opportunity and they extend to 8 then 10-4 lead.
A try on the stroke of half-time which was a second to Matt Timoko after the Raiders took advantage of a rare attacking opportunity on the Dragons line, Fogarty kicked the conversion for a 10-10 score at the break.
The wind favoured the Raiders and most thought the Dragons had squandered their chances in the first half but the Green Machine were off their games as they continued to make basic mistakes such as not finding touch and just shy of the hour mark, the Dragons took advantage when Corey Allan slid through near the sideline. Kyle Flanagan with a hint of luck used the wind to full advantage to slot the conversion for a 16-10 lead.
Inside the final ten minutes, a ruck infringement turned into a penalty after the play broke down at the ruck and Flanagan put the Dragons 8 points ahead.
The Raiders went down the other end of the field and initially turned down an easy two points before they got a second penalty to which they elected to go for two and close the gap to six points.
Despite some chances, the Raiders couldn't get the last minute try and the Dragons held on to the 18-12 win.
Next week, the Raiders take on the Sea Eagles back in the Nation's capital meanwhile the Dragons head back to Kogarah take on the Sharks in a local derby.