A hard fought win keeps Raiders in the top three

ON Sunday it was third versus fifth as Raiders looked to consolidate their position near the top spots of National League Division 2.

- By ROSS MACKENZIE

With the busy Christmas period in full swing, only a win would keep Raiders firmly in sight of the top spot after dropping to their first loss of season last weekend to leaders Gloucester Kings.

Raiders raced into an early first quarter 17-0 lead which shell shocked the visitors but as the first half wore on, the home side couldn't continue the momentum as Cardiff used their considerable size, featuring 6' 9" former Raider Matt Broderick to slowly chip away at the score.

Without a key member of the side, Jason Carr serving a one game suspension from a mild altercation two weeks ago, it gave the chance for Coach Gaz Laws to start Ryan Peard.

In recent weeks, Raiders have suffered from free throw woes which have been costly and that continued as repeated fouls on Tom Woods went unpunished from the charity stripe.

Raiders weathered a Cardiff fight back to lead 44-34 at the end of the half.

The second half continued with some scrappy interchanges as both sides failed to stamp their authority on the game as Laws introduced Robin Hall into the game replacing Lombe Mumba who on his return to the side has impressed and did again.