The Glendale Raptors traveled to Omaha to player former Western Rugby League Division One foe GOATS (Greater Omaha Area Touring Side).  The GOATS, who were division two semifinalists last spring were over done by the pace of the Raptors who ran out 41 – 5 winners.

The first twenty minutes saw the Raptors camped in the GOATS half of the field.  Despite many scoring opportunities, the Raptors could not successfully finish as the GOATS defense continued to deny a breach of their try line.  Whenever the GOATS secured the ball they hoofed the ball downfield and the Raptors continued to counter attack instead of kicking.

The Raptors were finally rewarded at the quarter when hooker James Delbozque scored off a GOATS turnover.  Delbozque, just up from the Raptor U19 team had an outstanding debut in his first division one match.  “Delbosque played very well with an intensity and confidence that belies his youth,” said Coach Mark Bullock.

The GOATS finally moved the ball into Glendale territory following some effective kicking.  With the ball deep in Raptor territory, the GOATS continually assaulted the Raptor line, running their big forwards off the tackle/contest breakdown.  The Raptors repulsed the repeated GOATS forays and were rewarded when an alert Justin Howley intercepted a wayward GOATS pass.  The Raptor wing ran ninety-five meters for the score, which he converted for a 14 – 0 Raptor lead.

The Raptors immediately followed with another try to Howley off the kickoff. The Raptors maintained possession for six cycles prior to the converted try in the thirty-eight minute to go into the half up 21 – 0.

The second half started much the same as the first, but nine minutes in the Raptors were awarded a penalty that Howley successfully converted from thirty two meters out.  Play seesawed back and forth until the twenty fifth minute when the GOATS and Raptors traded unconverted trys.

First the Raptors Howley scored his third try off sustained build up after multiple phases left the GOATS shorthanded in the corner.  The GOATS responded immediately when the Raptors misplayed the kickoff, allowing the GOATS an attacking platform deep in Raptor territory.  The  GOATS wasted little time putting pressure on the disorganized Raptor defense to score 29 – 5.

Number eight Ryan Chapman of the Raptors would score next after the Raptors camped on the GOATS try line; taking a short pass he scored the converted try under the posts.  Prop Ken Ishmael scored his first Raptor try in the corner to close out the scoring 41- 5 in the final two minutes of the match.

The Raptors will next participate in the Aspen Ruggerfest September 18 – 19.