The Illawarra Steelers Junior Representative teams had a tough time in the third round of the season against Canberra Raiders at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Saturday.
Both Harold Matthews (U16) and SG Ball (U18) fell to the travelling Canberra sides in terrible conditions with consistent rain throughout.
The Harold Matthews sides were first onto the field and after seven minutes Canberra fullback Nic Cotric did it all himself to cross over in the corner with the conversion unsuccessful.
The try motivated the Steelers and after 15 minutes lock and captain Jack Cross crashed over next to the posts with goal-kicker Tristan Sailor giving Illawarra the lead.
However, this would be the last points for the home side who struggled with the conditions as Cotric crossed for two more tries and winger Sebastian Kris scored a hat-trick as well.
The Raiders were wasteful with their conversions as they were unable to convert any of their tries but were still able to leave with a 18 point victory.
The SG Ball game was a very close affair with the conditions making it difficult for either team to throw the ball around and errors creeping into both teams games.
After a close first half, which saw both teams go into the break scoreless, Raiders halfback Jack Hickson took it upon himself to give his side the lead.
With both teams desperate for the two points, the game opened up and it was Hickson again who scored an almost identical try to his first. As was the case for their Harold Matthews team, the Raiders were not able to convert.
Time was running out for the Steelers and with four minutes to go five-eighth Paora Kemp found the try line to give the home side a chance. However, his rushed conversion attempt sprayed wide as the Raiders hang on for a four point victory.
Next week the Steelers remain at home for games against North Sydney Bears.
