Raiders down Dragons to keep top 8 hopes alive in dour affair

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Canberra Raiders v St George Illawarra Dragons

The Canberra Raiders have grinded out a win over the St George Illawarra Dragons, winning 20 points to 12 to keep their top 8 chances alive.

The start of the match was less than ideal for the Dragons, with centre Cody Ramsey going off with an HIA after just 31 seconds. He did not return, with Talatau Amone forced to play extra minutes.

Despite the setback, the Dragons were the first ones to get on the board, with Corey Norman throwing an outstanding cutout pass to his left to set up MatT Feagai, who went over untouched.

Seven minutes later, the Dragons extended their lead courtesy of a penalty goal

The Raiders finally got on the board in the 24th minute. They had a full set on the Dragons line and didn't really look threatening. Elliott Whitehead's kick on the last looked to be too deep, but Harley Smith-Shields was able to flick it back in for Jordan Rapana, who scored the try.

Adam Clune would be the spark to extend the Dragons lead 5 minutes later. He dummied his way through the Raiders defence, before showing a cool head to link up with Sims in support, who used momentum to get himself over the line. The lead remained at 6 after Lomax missed the kick.

It didn't last much longer for the Dragons though, with Sims giving away a penalty that gave the Raiders good field position. Sam Williams put in a deft crossfield kick and Jack Wighton was able to outleap Lomax to come up with the ball and score the try. Croker's conversion ensured the scores would be level as the teams hit the sheds.

Within 4 minutes of the second half kicking off, the Raiders found themselves in great attacking position. Tom Starling took full advantage of this, pinning the ears back and powering his way over the line. The bunker confirmed the try. 

The only scoring play for the rest of the match would be a Raiders penalty goal in the 70th minute as errors crippled the game, both teams combining for 21 throughout the night.

The loss means the Dragons road to the top 8 is an uphill one as they prepare to take on the Panthers next week, while the Raiders matchup isn't any easier, they'll face the Storm.