Australia: UNSW Raiders roll past Nepean Ducks in semifinal blowout

The undefeated, two-time defending New South Wales champion UNSW Raiders delivered a commanding performance against the Nepean Ducks, securing a 44-6 victory to advance to the New South Wales championship game.

Raiders strike early and often

The tone was set immediately as quarterback Clark Hazlett, who finished an efficient 13-of-17 for 215 yards, connected with receiver Kingsley Dennison on a 39-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive. Hazlett continued his sharp play, finding Mitch Sawyer for a 15-yard score later in the quarter. Running back Jerry Key punched in the two-point conversion to make it 14-0 after one.

Offense stays relentless

The Raiders didn’t let up in the second quarter. Hazlett added a five-yard rushing touchdown before hitting Sawyer again, this time from 17 yards out for Sawyer’s second receiving TD of the day. Key capped the dominant first half with a one-yard plunge, and a successful two-point pass from Hazlett to Regan Fepuleal stretched the lead to 36-0 at the break.

Ducks avoid shutout late

Any hope of a Nepean comeback was extinguished early in the third quarter when the Raiders defense returned an interception for a touchdown, with Fepuleal adding another two-point conversion to make it 44-0. The Ducks avoided the shutout late in the game when running back Tona Luamanuvae broke through for a 9-yard rushing touchdown, bringing the final score to 44-6.

On to the championship

The comprehensive performance—featuring a balanced offensive attack and a relentless defense—propels UNSW into the New South Wales championship game as heavy favorites to claim a third straight title. Their ability to dominate in all phases sets up what should be another compelling championship appearance for the Raiders.