Season 2009 had a belated kick-off the Raiders and the Army, we had to sit through 3 days of NRL action before getting the chance to watch the green go around once more. The Monday Night factor ensured that the travelling contingent would be heading north in a convoy of cars as opposed to the regular buses, so the normal hilarity had to be confined to within each individual car.

I travelled up with the rest of the QBN Crew in the old mans prado, and the scintillating conversation had old Willy asleep in no time. Late withdrawal Scotty Mac was more than adequately replaced by RA stalwart Marko ‘nothing’s sweet about me’ Milinkovic, who was duly relegated to the very rear of the vehicle and was on beer wench duty. Speaking of beer, it was decided that to save time we would purchase the beer at Collector rather than driving into the busy metropolis that is Monaro Street in QBN. Upon arrival at the Bushranger Hotel, I was very saddened to here that not only did they not have any Carlton Dry Fusion, they did not even have a cold carton of beer in the whole pub. We had to settle with a warm carton of Pure Blonde at the more than reasonable price of $49.50. To end our Collector Pub nightmare, they didn’t have any Ice either. So we chucked the warm beer in the esky and headed off with our tail between our legs. Just as we left Collector we noticed a sign advertising their annual pumpkin festival in May. I think everyone should make an effort to attend this wonderful event. Be sure to book early as the hotel’s 4 rooms will be snapped up well in advance.

We finally arrived at the pre-game gathering at the Club Hotel in Leumeah, after putting up with Nick ‘the lying dutchman’ and his absolutely woeful attempts at playing scrabble on the dukes mobile phone. We were greeted by a very healthy crowd of Raiders faithful. Due to the late get away we could only sneak in two quick schooners (and one or two songs I might add) before we headed over to the ground. There was a massive queue for tickets so I enlisted Marko to line up whilst I snuck inside the Leagues club to collect some free tickets that the old man had scored from some random in the club. The ticketing facilities are yet to have eftpos/credit card facilities installed, these are rumoured to be in place by 2011 as part of Campbelltown’s $750 proposed upgrade.
We entered the ground (Via getting someone to rip off our ticket stub- who needs turnstiles) there was a nice smattering of green amongst the black, white and orange, and a solid gathering of RA on the Southern Hill. Upon arrival security was on our back regarding the large triangle flag, but a few niceties from myself helped calm the situation and we were free to wave away. Sydney RA regular ‘mohawk’ was enlisted to wave the big flag, and it must be said he did an absolutely abysmal job. You are sacked mate.

Loz’s business cards were being handed out thick and fast, and no doubt the number of hits on the RA website has gone through the roof since last night. Early estimates are 1 million hits per day, which is half way towards achieving our target. The team had a great first half and a handy 8 point lead going into the break, though the RA’s form was a little scratchy. This will no doubt improve at Parra and Cronulla over the coming weeks and in Bay 72 as we get back into the swing of things. We all know what happened in the second half, tuiaki cheated and Wests got the chocolates. The tigers fans around us came to life whenever the Tigers scored, but boings world famous “this place is like a library” chant could have been used to great effect for most of the game. Some peoples fears of sitting on the hill at Campbelltown were unfounded, as the vast majority of fans were very amicable and a great time was had by supporters of both sides.

A fair few of us hung around til well after the full time siren had sounded, and it was lucky we did as we had massive trouble with the pool pole. What started with one person trying to unscrew the top from the bottom ended in a military style operation with up to 8 people twisting, turning and doing their part. After several minutes, we were able to slap high fives with our newly calloused hands as we finally got the thing sorted. It truly was a memorable moment.
There celebrations were well justified as we left our hill which was now littered with about 25 cubic metres of confetti, I don’t envy the bloke who has to clean that up.
On the way out of Campbelltown a few of us (well mainly me I guess) were joining in some friendly banter, most Wests fans are closet Raiders fans and I was simply reminding them of that fact. A number of people congratulated us for travelling up for the game but wouldn’t commit to venturing to sunny Canberra later in the year for the return bout.

As is now customary on RA away trips, we bumped into the Toyota Cup team at Sutton Forest Maccas. Andrew McFadden had decided to reward the side with a Happy Meal after  they had an outstanding start to the year, putting 50 points on their hapless opposition. A great start to their premiership defence. A number of very odd phone calls were received around Lake George, most of them from the first grade teams bus, where it sounded as if they were listening (and or dancing to) the ‘heel and toe polka’, must be something new coach Dave Furner has introduced to assist with rehab.

After quickly pulling into a rest stop that even Ivan Milat would be intimidated by,  we dropped Marko off in Kaleen and were back in Q-Town by half 12. This week we have the Roosters at home, and a travelling contingent of Sydney Supporters will be bussing it down the Hume. I look forward to their review next week. We will then be heading north to Parra Stadium on Saturday March 28th, there will definitely be a bus going up so if you’re keen let me know.

BELIEVE

KW

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