Raiders hold off fast finishing Tigers to make it five in a row

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Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders

Canberra has held off a fast-finishing Wests Tigers to secure a crucial 16-12 victory at Campbelltown Sports Ground this evening.

The win was the Raiders fifth in a row and secures their spot in the Top 4 - a position not many pundits predicted they would be at the start of the season.

While coach Ricky Stuart will be delighted with the win, he will be concerned with another second half fade out, after his side looked to be on the path to a big win after leading 16-0 at halftime. Blues half Jarome Luai shook off the disappointment of Wednesday night to spark the second half revival for the Tigers, which in the end fell just short as the Canberra defensive line held firm late to secure a valuable two points.

Canberra came into the match looking for their fifth straight win and they were on the scoreboard first through the front row combination of Josh Papali'i and Joseph Tapine, which saw Tapine stroll over untouched close the line.

Minutes later following a bust from fullback Kaeo Weekes, the Raiders had their fans up and about when Ricky Stuart's son, Jed Stuart scored on debut following a superb flick pass from Sebastian Kris to make it 10 - 0.

Canberra were well in control of the match, when just before halftime Kris then put Ethan Strange away down the sideline who found Tom Starling in support who kicked ahead. Jeral Skelton then came across to clean up for the Tigers but made an absolute mess of it and Starling then picked up the ball to score a fortunate try to extend the lead to 16-0 at halftime.

Wests needed to score first in the second half to have any hope in the match, and they did just that following a neat kick in goal from Jarome Luai which saw Alex Seyfarth dive on the ball to get the crowd on their feet.

The Tigers were a different side in the second half, as Latu Fainu came on to combine with Luai to provide some spark off the back of some strong runs from their front row in Terrell May and Fonua Pole. This momentum led to back-to-back tries as Jarome Luai sparked another attacking play which saw Starford To'a crash over to narrow the scoreline to 16-12.

Wests continued to gain the momentum and Jahreem Bula went agonisingly close to evening the score when the lanky fullback was cut down just centimetres short. The Raiders continued to hold on and poor discipline from Tigers winger Jeral Skelton who was penalised for a hair pull on Xavier Savage when in possession proved a crucial mistake with seven minutes remaining.

From there the Tigers continued to push forward for victory but the Canberra defence held on to give the Green Machine a crucial away win and consolidate their position in the Top 4.

In Round 17, Canberra travel to Newcastle next Friday night, where they will look to push for top spot on the ladder. Wests will also turn their attention to Friday night, where they will travel to the northern beaches to take on the Sea Eagles in a must win clash for both sides.