Anvor Schooney missed the vital one - Pic: Erick Pietersen

In an excellent game of rugby that could have gone either way, Raiders went down 31-29 to the University of Johannesburg in Westdene on Friday evening after leading for most of the first half.

Raiders coach Fernando Penshaw watched Anvor Schooney miss the conversion from the touchline to draw the game after replacement lock Hashim Gasant scored in the dying minutes.

“We had our opportunities. It was a hell of a game and definitely a team effort. We are improving every week, which is good news with the semi-finals fast approaching. At least we are on an upwards curve,” Penshaw commented.

Obviously the presence of Lions players Johan Jackson, Earl Rose and JP Joubert – Penshaw called him ‘masterful’ - is a huge boost for the side and hopefully they can stick around for the crucial games coming up.

“JP’s speed to the breakdowns and his ability to keep the ball in the air is very valuable to us and we hope we can make use of his services for some time to come.”

Duncan Witbooi excelled against the students as well as Marcelle Esterhuyze and Harold Primo, who is a workhorse week-after-week. At one stage Raiders went through 16 phases which resulted in Witbooi’s try.

Scorers:

Raiders: Tries: Ronald Strydom, Duncan Witbooi, Hashim Gasant. Conversion: Anvor Schooney. Penalties: Earl Rose (3).