NRL: Persistent Raiders break Dragons

Matt Cooper of the Dragons is tackled. Photo / Getty Images

CANBERRA - Canberra continued their incredible 10-year NRL hoodoo over St George Illawarra in the nation's capital yesterday, surging to an emphatic win.

The Dragons' defence was sensational in the first half, but the persistent Raiders attack saw the floodgates eventually open in the final 40 minutes.

Canberra's victory was their third consecutive win and keeps them well in the hunt for a remarkable top eight finish.

Despite St George Illawarra being one of the most consistent performers of the past decade, they have not beaten the Raiders in Canberra since 2000 and have toppled the green machine just once in their last 11 meetings at any venue.

The Raiders began their rush in the 49th minute when winger Daniel Vidot scored a benefit-of-the-doubt try in the corner.

A packed stadium exploded six minutes later when five-eighth Terry Campese kicked through for himself, got the perfect bounce and touched down under the posts.

The Raiders continued through Adam Mogg, who crossed after Dragons fullback Darius Boyd failed to take a bomb under pressure by Vidot.

Superstar No 1 Josh Dugan then set the game alight when he cleaned up a Jamie Soward chip kick, bumped off a Neville Costigan tackle and dashed more than 70m to stretch the lead to 22-4.

Secondrower Joe Picker scored another long-distance try before the Dragons staged a mini fight-back. Mark Gasnier showed great footwork to cross and Costigan reached out to reduce the deficit to 26-16.

However, a burrowing effort by Raiders interchange hooker Glen Buttriss saw them close out one of the club's great wins.

The Dragons had enjoyed an early 4-0 lead when Brett Morris dived over in thecorner.

Canberra threw plenty at St George Illawarra in the first half, but the Dragons again exhibited the rock-solid defence that many believe will win them this year's premiership.

However, in eerily similar circumstances, St George Illawarra were beaten by Canberra in the final rounds last year and never managed to regain their confidence before being bundled out in the second week of the finals.

FINAL SCORE
Raiders 32
Dragons 16

- AAP