Rugby League: Injury-hit Raiders able to crow after upsetting Roosters

SYDNEY - The Canberra Raiders brushed off a massive injury toll to achieve a major upset yesterday with a 32-22 NRL win over the Sydney Roosters at Bruce Stadium.

The Raiders, who had lost 11 first graders to injury and suffered a string of demoralising defeats, put on what could be their most courageous performance of the season.

The injury toll was even more devastating by halftime after Kiwi Ruben Wiki, Ken Nagas, Sean Rutgerson and Mark McLinden succumbed.

Injury also took its toll on the Roosters. New South Wales State of Origin lock Luke Ricketson fell victim to a knee injury and Englishman Adrian Morley suffered a suspected broken arm.

Inspiring performances from youngsters Michael Monaghan, Darren Mapp and Ryan O'Hara helped the home side drag themselves back into the match.

Three tries put Canberra in front, and victory was assured when Mapp took the score to 32-22 with three minutes to go.

In Gosford, the Bulldogs came from behind to beat the Northern Eagles 32-30. The Eagles had two players on report - Phil Bailey was in trouble for a spear tackle and Brendon Reeves was reported by referee Paul Simpkins for a high shot.

Hazem El Masri knocking over six goals to Ben Walker's five.

nteThe New Zealand Warriors were passed by St George Illawarra Dragons on the points table after they lost 18-38 in Wollongong, dropping to 10th place.

In other weekend matches, table-topping Parramatta enhanced their credentials as serious title contenders by pounding one-time leaders Newcastle 40-0 for their 11th win a row. Winger Luke Burt scored three of the Eels' seven tries in front of their home fans, while halfback Jason Taylor grabbed 14 points with a try and five goals.

Taylor became only the second player to pass 2000 premiership points. He is now only 30 points from equalling former Kiwi Daryl Halligan's record haul of 2034.

The Broncos stayed in second spot, a point behind Parramatta, after a 44-10 win over Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium.

The Broncos were too big, fast and strong for the Tigers, scoring seven tries to two, but had Queensland State of Origin skipper Darren Lockyer forced from the field in the second half with a shoulder injury.

Melbourne's recent resurgence suffered a hiccup when they lost 40-18. Winger Damien Mostyn crossed three times for the Sharks.

The Storm's Kiwi hooker, Richard Swain, again showed his phenomenal work rate, pulling off a remarkable 49 tackles.

At Penrith Stadium, the Panthers dropped to the bottom of the table after losing 26-20 to previous cellar dwellers North Queensland.

Each side scored four tries. New Zealand forward Frank Puletua got one Penrith touchdown, but Cowboy fullback Julian O'Neill's five goals proved the difference.

- NZPA