KATIE Thorn smashed a hat-trick as the Urunga Raiders triumphed 4-1 over the Coffs United Lionesses in a thrilling top-of-the-table clash at Forsyth Park last Saturday.

Thorn ignited the scoreboard early when Bre Martin delivered a precision through ball, slicing through the Lionesses’ defence.

Thorn’s speed and strength prevailed as she powered the ball into the roof of the net.

The Raiders maintained their momentum, with Prue Burnet scoring a goal to enter the halftime break with a 2-0 lead.

Thorn continued to wreak havoc in the Lionesses defence in the second half.

First to react to a loose ball, Thorn capitalised on the opportunity, outpacing the defence before firing the ball into the bottom corner of the net with power and precision.

Despite Georgia Silvy pulling one back for the Lionesses, Thorn put the icing on the cake with her third goal five minutes before the final whistle.

This win extends the Urunga Raiders’ lead at the top of the table to six points, with a total of 24 points from eight matches.

Coffs City United remains in second place with eighgteen points, while Woolgoolga holds third with twelve points.

Meanwhile, the Orara Valley Dingoes secured their first victory of the season with a 3-1 win over Sawtell.

The Urunga Raiders host Sawtell on Saturday 22 June at 3pm and the Coffs City United Lionesses travel to Woolgoolga to take on the Wildcats also at 3pm.

By David WIGLEY