Raiders stun with 95 metre try in 'remarkable finish' to golden point classic against Penrith
Ethan Strange and Kaeo Weekes were the match-winners in a blockbuster Mudgee fixture after combining for the Raiders in the "most remarkable finish to a golden point game".
With the score 16-16 in golden point, Nathan Cleary had a 35 metre attempt at a field goal but hit the post.
The ball then fell to Jed Stuart with Izack Tago and Liam Martin missing their tackle on him. He fled five metres from the line and linked up with Strange.
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An uncharacteristic miss from Dylan Edwards put Strange 20 metres out from the tryline before he passed inside to Weekes, who scored to seal the 20-16 win.
Ethan Strange and Kaeo Weekes after the winning try. Getty
"That is the most remarkable rugby league moment," caller Andrew Voss said on Fox League
Cooper Cronk echoed his sentiment: "That is the most remarkable finish to a golden point game I have ever witnessed."
Earlier in Mudgee, the Panthers were leading 10-6 after a double to Casey McLean while Joseph Tapine scored the other four-pointer.
After the break, Penrith looked like they'd run away with victory when Martin scored to make it 14-6.
But the top of the table Raiders weren't done when Simi Sasagi scored in the 58th minute. Strange was then in the thick of the action, scoring off a set play to level proceedings.
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Jamal Fogarty missed the conversion to make it a field goal battle with minutes remaining.
Weekes missed the first before Cleary then failed with his two-point attempt. Fogarty had the final effort and hooked it to the left.
A game of territory came in the first two sets of golden point before the chaos ensued and Weekes won the game for his side.
The Raiders had once concern to come out of the match with Xavier Savage suffering a suspected AC joint injury during the first half.
Canberra plays the Wests Tigers next week while the Panthers are up against the Bulldogs.
