Raiders try hard for their skipper

l PORT DOUGLAS

FOR many Douglas Shire locals, including myself, Saturday afternoon in Port Douglas was all about sport.

Initially, the Port Douglas Crocs were in true winning form, beating South Cairns Cutters by 189 points to 42.

At the conclusion of this great home win, many spectators then made their way just a couple of hundred metres across to Raider Park, the home ground of the Port Douglas Reef Raiders.

For both newbies and regular rugby union fans, this occasion was to have a special meaning, as well as hopefully providing an entertaining 80 minutes of rugger against the Southside Crusaders.

Port Douglas Reef Raiders skipper Richard Johnston arrived in Port Douglas four years ago, from England, to no doubt follow a dream of living in the tropics.

Regarded highly for his skills and experience on the field of play, Richard is also much loved for simply being a nice guy amongst fellow players and fans after a game.

It therefore was a massive shock when Richard was recently diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia.

The club felt that they needed to do their bit and try to offer some financial assistance during the potential tough times ahead. With this in mind, regular supporters and the general public at large were invited to Saturday’s match, which kicked off at 4pm.

Throughout the game, spectators were entertained with raffles and auctions as well as the canteen and popular bar.

I have to say the turn-out was superb, together with local businesses providing prizes for the event.

With all proceeds going to Richard and the count up to $10,000 when I last asked, the day certainly will provide a helping hand to the club’s much-loved young hero and leader.

Besides all of this, the Reef Raiders turned on the style in the second half, having been level at half-time on 14 points and coming out to smash the Southside by 42 points to 19 by the final whistle.

Both sides were generous in their appreciation of the crowd by saluting them, at full time, with a ‘hip, hip, hooray’.

I’m off to practice my scrum, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.

Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au

Both teams salute the crowd at full-time.

A KIND gesture

ON a fundraising note, tomorrow evening will see a cocktails and canapes evening at Hughie’s Wine Bar in Mossman.

With bubbles on arrival, this popular new venue, together with all those attending, will be raising important funds for KIND ‘Kids In Need Donations’.

KIND was established in 2008 in the Douglas region as a not-for-profit organisation by local people for local people. The intention is to raise, administer and distribute funds to assist children in need of support who have been diagnosed with a terminal or debilitating illness or injury.