Storm outlast toiling Raiders
Storm 32 - Raiders 16
A brave Raiders outfit did well early against the might of the Melbourne Storm in the ACT yesterday. Plenty of early possession and committed defence saw the Raiders lead until just before the half time break.
Melbourne's class across the park eventually told as they kicked clear of a gutsy Raiders outfit to win their round two National Rugby League encounter at Canberra Stadium tonight 32-16.
The Storm were fortunate to head into the half-time break with a 14-10 lead after being outplayed for the majority of the half by a Raiders side lacking superstars but playing with plenty of purpose.
After trading tries following the half-time break the home side clawed back to be down 20-16 in the 55th minute, but the Storm ran away with the match in the final 20 minutes, scoring two tries through young winger Israel Folau while shutting out the Canberra attack.
Storm prop Brett White scored his second try of the match in the 45th minute to extend the margin to 20-10 with Cameron Smith's conversion, before Colin Best strolled over on the right wing for Canberra to get within four points.
But it was as close as Neil Henry's men would get as the Storm big guns stood up, five-eighth Greg Inglis warming to his new position and the outside backs performing with aplomb.
Raiders coach Henry was impressive by the effort shown by his young side, admitting the lapse just before half time was a massive blow to the previously confident Green Machine. He pointed out fullback Zillman as a standout for the Raiders.
CANBERRA 16 (T Carney, P Graham, C Best tries; M Dobson 2 goals)
MELBOURNE 32 (B White 2, I Folau 2, M Geyer, B Slater tries; C Smith 4 goals)
Referee: J Maxwell
Crowd: 9556 at Canberra Stadium
