Sharks’ jaws of defeat close on Raiders
Tom and Jack Murday might have helped Port Douglas bash their way to a 21-10 lead with eight minutes to go but Penrhyn Sharks have shown why they are one of the most feared teams in the FNQ Rugby competition, winning 27-21.
Jack, a former FNQ Rugby star who works as a geologist in Doomadgee and Tom, who starred for the Queensland Reds and still plays professionally in France, lifted the Reef Raiders, who have struggled to field a full side some weeks.
Proud dad and club president Don Murday said the match was the first his sons had played in together at any level.
“That’s a first for the family,” Murday senior said.
“They tried to convince me to throw on the boots but that was never happening. It might have happened 10 years ago but certainly not today.”
Murday said the Raiders, who have been competitive all season, still had plenty of room for improvement.
“It was a really good game of rugby and as a team we were outstanding,” he said.
“To lose the penalty count against Penrhyn means we’ve got a fair bit to improve in terms of our technique.
“It was easily the best side we’ve put on the field this year.
“We had five on our bench and our captain, (prop) Dylan (Leahy) is still away in South Africa.
“It was disappointing. With eight minutes to go we were in front 21-10 and then just lost our composure and let them come back.”
Argentine scrum-half Juan Dillon was again a standout for the Raiders.
“He’s got a great pass and a good game running from the srcumbase,” he said.