LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
In a disappointing display on Saturday afternoon, the Raiders junior rep sides succumbed to defeat across all three grades at the illustrious Kirkham Oval in Camden.
The scoreboard painted a bleak picture as the Magpies gained a commanding 14-nil advantage at halftime, leaving the valiant Raiders with an uphill battle for the remaining forty minutes.
However, hope flickered briefly when Woden Valley Rams juniors, Xavier Cacciotti and Ethan Alaia, stormed across the try line consecutively, narrowing the deficit to a tantalizing 14-12.
Alas, the Magpies always had another trick up their sleeve, as winger Daniel Waqa effortlessly sailed over for a try eight minutes later, sealing their victory and earning crucial two points for Wests.
Despite this setback, the Raiders must rise from this defeat as they prepare to face off against Penrith in a highly crucial showdown this coming Saturday.
Can the tenacious Raiders bounce back and reclaim their rightful place atop the league? Only time will tell.