Palmerston Raiders continue unbeaten run with win over Nightcliff Dragons

PALMERSTON Raiders’ 30-10 victory over Nightcliff leaves them as the only remaining unbeaten side in the 2020 NRL NT A-grade premiership after four rounds

Palmerston Raiders’ Shane Smith stood out up front in the side’s win over Nightcliff. Picture: Glenn Campbell

PALMERSTON Raiders’ 30-10 victory over Nightcliff leaves them as the only remaining unbeaten side in the 2020 NRL NT A-grade premiership after four rounds.

Nightcliff scored first with its big captain David Paull crashing over.

But a quick return try from Palmerston’s Blake Fletcher showed his side’s intent and set the tone for the match.

Constant pressure from Dragons led to hooker Hodrick Mudu touching down next, but it was Nightcliff’s final score in the match.

A duo of follow-up tries from Clifford Timms and Anthony Orrell put the Raiders firmly ahead at halftime.

It took until the final five minutes for another score to come, with backs Will Smith and Alex Johnson both dotting over to seal the win.

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Johnson was pleased with his team’s victory after two weeks of tough training, believing the return of Matthew Bennett in the halves gave his side the direction it needed.

Shane Smith also had a strong showing for Raiders up front.

“We had a massive two weeks on the track but it’s good to get another win under our belts,” Johnson told the NT News.

“We just tidied up our ruck in the second half. We dropped a lot of ball in the first, whereas in the second we held the ball more and were able to pick up the momentum.”

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Dragons’ captain Paull felt his side brought good intensity, but fitness got the better of it in the second half though felt Adrian Corrie in particular stood out.

“We came out with intensity knowing we were up against the benchmark and in-form team of the year,” Paull said.

“We just lacked that fitness a bit and that is something we will need to work on in the coming matches, though it is still early days in the season.”