Raiders v Sharks

I’d just like to thank Ben for filling in last week, did a fine job on what was one of the best Raider’s win in recent memory. Anyway, on to this week.

In what was undoubtedly the match of the round, the Raiders went down to the Sharks in what was an absolute nail biter. Despite a big effort from the Army boys, it wasn’t enough to get us over the line, as Cronulla piled on the points in the second half to win 32-26.

The day started early for quite a few Army lads and lasses, as a few heart starters were downed at home prior to getting on the sherbets at the Jammo. Me, like many others, were nervous about what the day would bring. This was our biggest test so far, and would really show us where we stand.

We headed over to the ground quite early, to set up in Raiders HQ, Bay 72. This week saw the addition of a couple of new banners from the top tier, which in my opinion, looked excellent hanging from the East Stand. In the next few weeks there should be more banners added, so things are looking up in that regard. This complimented another large turnout for the Army, which was probably only second to the turnout at the Roosters game, earlier in the season.

The game also saw the very ‘barmy’ Sharks Army set up in the bay next to us. Credit to them, it was the first time a supporters group has set up that close. This gave us a good chance to get some banter going between the groups, ‘Stand up if you’ve won the league’, ‘Stevens, is a dirty grub’. Unfortunately the Sharks didn’t have the songs or numbers to respond. Hopefully the Burrow sets up there when they come down, would be a cracking atmosphere. However, back to this game, the Sharks fans were impressive visually, but verbally they sounded like the New Mexico Gay Choir. Not really surprising after hearing some of the comments from their fans regarding their views on singing at football, ‘Singing is for poofs and pommies that can’t drink’. Must be all the mercury floating around at Cronulla beach that has lowered IQs in the shire to this level.

The majority of the first half went brilliantly for the Raiders, taking a 16-2 lead. Unfortunately we switched off just before the break, and let the Sharks back in it. Needless to say, Jason Smith was again firing on all cylinders. This bloke has surely been buy of the season, and I’m feeling quite smug about my prediction before the season that Smith would tear it up for us. I didn’t think he’d play this well though!

The second half didn’t really go as we’d hope, with the Sharks getting 3 consecutive tries to pretty much seal the victory. Despite a late comeback, being on the wrong end of a 13-3 penalty count will always make it hard. I don’t think Tim Mander has worked out we don’t go to the game to watch him. Personally, I’d rather watch someone see a brown friend out to the coast. Credit to the Sharks, they were quite impressive, and their fans started singing 5 minutes before the end, once they were sure it was safe. Needless to say, at the full time whistle we were very disappointed. This wasn’t helped by the toothless gibbons from the Sharks giving it the large one after the game.

As disappointing as Sunday was, it is crucial we show ‘bouncebackability’ this Sunday, against the Tigers on Sunday at Crumbletown. It is vital we win this if we are to keep in touch with the 3 leaders. We welcome back Frawl-Dog and Hodgo this week hopefully. The addition of these two, plus Smithy in such great form, should see us get away with the points in the shortest away trip of the year. At this stage, it looks as if we’ll have good numbers for Sunday, so if you’re at the ground, I implore you to come and sit with us to get help us get the boys over the line. Whatever happens, the Army will be loud and proud. I’ll see you there - Ultra