They would consider themselves unlucky not to have won the game after the Raiders were ahead 38-16 with 20 minutes to play and the match seemingly in the bag.

While the Raiders were missing a few players and a bit rusty after a few weeks without a game, no excuses can be made for some paper-thin defence and a general lack of enthusiasm in a game they should've won quite comfortably.

You could sense it was going to be one of them days when Glendale scored the first try after a scrappy start from both sides and only a try saving tackle from Clint Osborne prevented Glendale from scoring again from the next set and left the score at 4-0 to the Gorillas.

Stroud then clicked into gear with a double to Todd Harvey, the first involving some great led-up work by Dean Hancock in his first game for the Raiders this year, and the second after Travis Tilse broke through and had his pass knocked down and Todd, as always, was there to pick up the scraps and give the Raiders a handy 12-4 lead with Nathan Hudson converting both tries.

Some ad-lib footy and timid defence saw Glendale cross the line for a converted try and bring the score back to 12-10.

The Raiders then started to gain control with some good field position and the big marn Dallas Schultz scored his first career try (well done big Dall), and just before the break Travis Tilse, who was one the few forwards making in-roads, scored a well deserved to make it 20-10. Both conversions were unsuccessful.

The second half started well for Stroud with Clint Osborne combining with Dean Hancock who had too much pace and strength for the Glendale cover defence with a converted try adjacent to the post.

A mistake from the kick off saw Glendale cross again and bring the score back to 26-16 and the warning signs were there that this could be one of those afternoons.