Jarryd Bannerman leaves the field for some attention during Saturday's win over the previously unbeaten Lake Cathie Raiders.
THE Lake Cathie Raiders' unbeaten Hastings League run is over.
The Raiders were swamped by an enthusiastic Long Flat Dragons in one of the biggest boilovers in recent times.
The Dragons had been down and out on a number of occasions this season already, but scored a brilliant 32-20 victory over the previously high flying Raiders.
Led from the front by the veteran Jason Costigan, the Dragons were never headed after taking a 26-10 lead into the half time break.
Costigan scored a double inside the first 10 minutes to lead 10-0 after James Mumford converted one of the tries before Raiders fullback Luke Baldwin skipped over for his side's opening points.
Costigan scored his third try on the 25th minute mark and Mumford booted the extras for a 14-4 lead. Raiders captain was then sent to the sin bin in the 26th minute and the Dragons took full advantage. Shaun Bannerman went over for a try just three minutes later while flashy winger Marcus Theofanou also posted a try in the 32nd minute. Mumford booted the two conversions for a 26-4 lead.
Wilson returned in the shadow of half time and had an immediate impact crossing for an inspiring try and conversion to try and lift his side.
The second half was a real arm-wrestle with the match swinging from end to end before Raiders winger Mitch Halterman scored in the 50th minute. Wilson could not add the extras leaving the Dragons still in front at 26-14.
Dragons halfback Andrew Lawrence pushed his side further ahead with a great try and Mumford's conversion pushed the Long Flat lead to 32-14 before Raiders front rower, Robert Smith got over the tryline in the 72nd minute. With Wilson on target with the conversion that left the final score at 32-20.
For the Dragons Vance Byles led the hit ups with 21, while Craig Arentsen 20, Lawrence 18 and Robbie Costigan 17 also made strong contributions.
Lawrence led the tackle count with 26, followed by Trent Dixon 24 and Robbie Costigan 21.
The Dragons halfback also picked up three points in the club's best and fairest, while Dixon picked up two points and Byles and Mumford shared one point each.
Jason Costigan was rightly named the players player award winner.