LAKE Cathie Raiders let a big first-half Hastings League lead slip on Saturday as the Kendall Blues came home strongly to take the game and hold onto the top of the table position.
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The Blues won 32-29 on a dry track at Lake Cathie.
They say a tale of two halves is a sporting cliche but it was definitely appropriate on Saturday in an open contest.
The Raiders 25-6 lead by the break, only to be run down.
Jared Bruen-Ansell kicked a field goal right on the half-time buzzer and the home crowd was confident of a result, but it wasn't to be for the Raiders.
The Blues scored five tries to one in the second half.
Brenden Platter was the hero for Kendall, crossing in the corner with two minutes left on the clock to snatch victory.
Meanwhile, the Raiders had lost their way.
"They went back to their old habits: Arguing with each other and the referee," Hastings League publicity officer Corey Richardson said. "I think the Lake Cathie mistakes cost them the game."
Daniel Minns was Kendall's best player, according to Richardson. Minns, who usually plays fullback, played five eighth on Saturday and had a blinder.
For the Raiders, captain-coach Bo Wilson had his usual great game, along with Tom Maguire.
"Those two are the heart and soul of Cathie," Richardson said. "They have to fire for them to do well. They're the key to Lake Cathie's success, I think."
Richardson said Kendall would have to lift their game to be contenders come finals time.
"They need to improve enough to play the full 80 minutes," he said.
The Raiders will look to bounce back in their next match of the season. They will take on Harrington Hurricanes on their home turf on Saturday.
Other results: South West Rocks 56 d Harrington 18, Long Flat 32 d Lower Macleay 8, Comboyne 78 d Settlers Inn 12.
