Reece Robinson of the Raiders runs the ball. Photo / Getty Images
Canberra's finals hopes remain in their own hands after the Raiders scored an impressive win over hapless North Queensland in their penultimate regular season clash at Canberra Stadium last night.
The in-form Raiders piled on nine tries before the forgettable Cowboys answered, catapulting the home side back into eighth and
just a win away from a play-offs spot. Victory against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium next weekend will ensure the Raiders qualify for the finals regardless of other results.
Late call-up Reece Robinson, who replaced the injured Adam Mogg, was magnificent in scoring four tries, while fullback Josh Dugan also scored a double in the must-win match.
Robinson was the first to find the line in the fourth minute, before diving over again in the 22nd, 62nd and 79th minutes to cap a memorable match.
Dugan, who supported Robinson's second effort, scored his own four-pointer in the 17th minute despite carrying a collection of North Queensland players on his back.
He found the line just before halftime too, giving Canberra a virtually unassailable 28-0 lead after 40 minutes.
It was the visitors' fifth loss in a row and consigns them to finishing only above Melbourne, who were docked all their 2010 points for salary cap breaches.
- AAP
