LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
The Dragons Lower Grades had a mixed bag of results in Round 24, with some promising plays and some missed opportunities.
In the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg Cup, and Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership competitions, the Red V faced tough competition.
The visitors got off to a flying start, scoring early tries to Mitchell Spencer and Hohepa Puru to take a commanding lead in the first half.
But Ben Johnson managed to dot down in the right corner just before halftime, thanks to some slick passes from Jonah Glover and Hayden Buchanan, giving the Dragons a glimmer of hope.
Despite having chances to level the scores in the second half, the Dragons couldn't quite capitalize and the Raiders came back strong in the final moments.
Josh Billing scored twice, with Jordan Martin adding another try in a quick 10-minute burst, propelling the Raiders to the top of the ladder.
In a bright spot for the Dragons, Declan Purcell scored his first try in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, scooting over from dummy-half late in the game.
It may not have been the result they wanted, but the Red V will be looking to bounce back in the next round with some fierce determination and a never-say-die attitude.