Another game, another win for the mighty Green Machine. Yet another top performance from the boys saw us get our first victory over the Roosters since 2001, and keep our run going as the only undefeated team so far in 2005. The sweetest aspect of this victory was not only the fact that it is the first time the Raiders have beaten the Ricky Stuart coached Roosters, but it is the first time we have beaten a team with Wonderboy in it since he ditched the Raiders in 2002. This, along with beautiful weather and a big Canberra Stadium crowd ,made this one of the most memorable Raiders wins in recent memory.

After having a few drinks and a chat at the Jamison Inn, the Army moved on to our new home at the back of Bay 72. Whilst there problems with seating allocation again, this did not deter the Army, as we got without doubt our biggest turn out for the year. What is particularly pleasing is the continual increase of fans that have joined the Army since the start of the year. Since the Newcastle game, the Army has gradually grown bigger each match. This has coincided with the growth of the crowds the Raiders have been getting, going from 12000 against the Knights, to 16000 against the Dragons and then a massive 19000 against the Roosters. If the Raiders keep up their good form I'm sure we can push the 20000 mark a number of times this year.

As the game got underway the Army was in full voice, with Moneyhan and Wonderboy on the receiving end of a heap of 'vitriol' from not only the Army, but the rest of the Canberra crowd. This ended in Moneyhan dropping the ball cold in front of the Army, which lead to scenes delirium usually associated with with scoring a try. Poor Joel looked like he was wishing the ground would swallow him up. The Army didn't let up, and was having a great time reveling in his misery, 'Who needs Joel Monaghan', 'Two greedy bastards'. So far the day was going beautifully, Raiders were 14-0 thanks to Linc and Smithy, and Moneyhan was having a day he'd rather forget. Unfortunately the Raiders slacked off a bit towards the end of the half, and the Roosters hit back with two tries in quick succession.

As the second half got underway the abuse towards the Roosters died down, and we really got behind the team, as we realised that this was our best chance for 5 years to 'do' the bastards. Another bit of Schiffa magic gave us a 10 point lead, and a bit of breathing space. By this stage most of the players and the Army were stuffed, not only due to the hot temperatures, but the effort both had put in. When Amos Roberts went over for the Roosters it was then we realised that we needed to up the ante. Rallying calls by some members of the Army got us going again, as it looked as though the Roosters may sneak home. The last 10 minutes were absolutely awe inspiring, many members of the Army no longer had their voices left and were feeling worse for wear, yet continued to belt songs in the hope it would get the boys over the line.

A massive defensive effort saw the Raiders hold out the Roosters onslaught in the dying minutes. Another bit of Schiffa brilliance saw Howelly cross over to seal a monumental win for the Raids. This cued delirious celebrations around the ground, with the whole ground singing in unison (Good on you Mal Stand, about time!). While the Roosters had another crack at the line, it was well and truly over, and time to celebrate our hold on top spot. As we watched the Roosters fans leaving I couldn't help but laugh, especially at the tart who was bawling her eyes out. We finally got one over the rorting bastards!!! YES!!! The victory was made all the sweeter after the three hidings we copped off them last year. The singing continued after the final whistle, with the boys acknowledging the effort shown by not only the Army, but all Raiders supporters that were there.

After the match we retired to the after match function to celebrate another victory with the boys. The after match function just reaffirmed my thoughts on this season so far. There seems to be a great 'togetherness' between players and fans this season, with a feeling of 'We're in all this together'. This is why I'm confident this form isn't a flash in the pan and we can be contenders this season. Unfortunately the Raiders win was overshadowed by an incident outside which has been covered exhaustively by the media. Let me just reaffirm, the Raiders Army had NO PART in this incident.

I hope to see everyone at Brookie next week, as we take on the dirty seagulls and look to extend our winning run to 5. It will be a tough test, but I'm confident the boys can do the business on an in-form Manly outfit. Whatever the result, it promises to be another enthralling chapter in the story of the Canberra Raiders season 2005. See you there- Ultra