Raiders kick off season against warriors from the south

PINETOWN Raiders kicked off their season with a warm-up game against the South Coast Warriors on Saturday, 21 February.

With the South Coast Warriors already having played Rovers and Toti in their pre-season matches, the Raiders were a little apprehensive taking on a first division side who are known for their physicality and presence on the field.

Saturday came and, like knights of old, the Raiders team pitched up and were ready for the gauntlet thrown down by coach, Grant Trefz. Being the first contact match that any of the Raiders have had since last season, strain showed early in the match when the team was caught off guard at the breakdowns, which led the Warriors to running in a easy try. South Coast Warriors pushed the Raiders and scored another three tries before the Raiders got things together with back-to-basics rugby. The club’s Jonathan Hammond scored an easy try.

South Coast Warriors did not let this show them up and tried their utmost to get under the Raiders’ skin. The Raiders team stood united and remained resolute to shun off their old image of dirty players, staying cool under pressure.

The Warriors only managed one more try before the end whistle.

Coaches Grant Trefz and Leigh McNeill (chairman) were happy with the match. Trefz said: “It was a good game that showed us what we need to work on.”

The Raiders’ team thanked South Coast Warriors for the match, Harlequins Club for the use of their facilities and the KZN Rugby Union for the tickets for the Sharks game.

“And most importantly, we would like to thank the Raiders supporters that made the effort to come down to the Bluff for the game,” said McNeill.

The Pinetown Raiders also appealed to companies in the Highway area to assist in funding of training equipment and the moving and installation costs of poles and lights at Ashley Sports Club.