A Redcliffe thriller helps the Dolphins continue historic beginnings

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Dolphins v Canberra Raiders

The "Redcliffe" Dolphins have done something that nobody thought they would and something that history tells you is nearly impossible by winning their opening two matches of their debut season but they did just that with a 20-14 win over Canberra.

In very wet conditions, the Dolphins struggled to adjust early and the Raiders were able to take advantage of the errors from the home side when Jack Wighton was able to slide through after the home side's defence failed to number up under pressure.

The pressure that was on the Red and Gold tonight was mounting and the Raiders took advantage again when the Dolphins defence struggled again to number up and Nick Cotric was able to get over in the wet conditions.

Things looked to be going even worse for the Dolphins when Jeremy Marshall-King was sin-binned for a hip drop tackle though they managed to turn momentum their way despite a Raiders penalty goal when they finally got over just shy of half-time when Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored after a Sean O'Sullivan grubber kick couldn't be cleaned up by Seb Kris.

Canberra had all the momentum for the opening 20 minutes of the second half with all the attacking position and possession but it was a penalty to the home side that changed things and helped the Dolphins upfield. There was some controversy over the Dolphins next try when Tom Gilbert got over and despite looking to hold the shirt of Matt Timoko whilst trying to get the ball, common sense was used as Timoko was never looking to play at the ball whilst Gilbert was trying to get to the ball.

A penalty and conversation starting sin bin against Hudson Young for what referee Todd Smith had deemed a professional foul after the Canberra second rower never got to marker and was ruled to have deliberately stopped the try. The ensuing penalty goal put the Dolphins in front 14-12.

If the Young sin bin sparked discussion, a very contentious decision from Todd Smith again to deem that Sean O'Sullivan had made late high contact when it looked as if the penalty was milked by the Canberra player. The Raiders levelled the scores at 14 all with both sides down to 12.

An error at the back from Canberra gave the Redcliffe side a big opportunity and it was down to Isaiya Katoa to step up and he did as he ran to the line drawing in the defence for the Hammer to seal the win with his try.

The victory for the Dolphins sets them in high esteem as just the third team to win their first two games as an expansion side since 1910 and the first since the Storm.
Next weekend, the Dolphins have their first road trip heading to Newcastle to take on the Knights, whilst the Raiders finally end their Queensland sojourn with a trip back to Canberra to take on the Sharks.