Raiders vs Tigers

The shortest away trip of the season for the Army, saw the one of the
Raiders most disappointing efforts this season, going down to the Tigers
28-16. A decent turn out from the Army lads and lasses wasn't enough to
get the boys over the line, as they slumped to another loss at
Crumbletown Sports Ground.

The day started early, with the Army's chariot (Ben's pajero) leaving
Canberra just after 10am. This was quite hard for those that had been
watching the FA Cup Final the night before, then had gone home to read a
book afterwards. We amused ourselves by screaming at helpless cyclists
and slamming down shots of god's nectar, Aftershock. Anyway that has
tasted this foul concoction will vouch for the fact it tastes like gash,
horrible. For some reason we kept drinking it though...

After only a couple of hours we arrived in sunny Crumbletown. We were
having bets as to when we'd see the first house made of brick, alas, all
we saw were fibro huts, resembling something out of Port Moresby. Half
of us went into the ground early to watch reserve grade, while the other
half stayed in the club till just before the game. Those that watched
the reggies were rewarded, with Milney grabbing an intercept and running
the length of the field to score the match winner in the dieing minutes.

First grade was only minutes away, with the ground filling quickly with
swamp donkeys and knuckle draggers, all clad in some ghastly orange and
black concoction, possibly the worst shirt ever? As the first half got
away, it was obvious most of the Raider's players didn't bother showing
up, as the score line blew out to 22-0 at half time. I had been worried
for the first few matches, I thought we'd become a team that could put
away crap sides, good to see my fears were allayed, and we are back to
our usual crap selves.
To rub salt into the wounds, Smithy had gone midway in the first half,
and Todd Carney was having probably the worst match of his life, oh
well, c'est la vie. I've tried hard not to mention Tired Smith and Ben
Cross in here, but I can't resist. Tired, there is a reason why you are
a 'journeyman', you zart. Ben Cross must have the most ironic name in
league, if this ill disciplined fool concentrated more on running more
then 1m a hit up then trying to deck the opposition, we might get
somewhere.

The effort from the Army wasn't too bad, considering the toweling we
were getting on the field. The Wests Tigers Fanatics seem to have some
complex about Canberra, and were having a great time in what will
probably be their biggest game of the year. Fair play, they did have
more songs then most groups, although their noise level could improve.
Anyway, they're a new group, and the more supporters groups in the NRL,
the better. The same can't be said for some other Tigers fans,
especially the gutless dog turd that threw a bottle full of rocks at the
Army from behind a wall. As the Raiders got back into we really gave it
our best to get the boys over the line, to no avail unfortunately.

After a few calling cards were dropped outside, it was back on the road
back to Canberra. We reminisced on another away trip, and reminded
ourselves of the real Raiders motto "Never fail to disappoint",
hopefully its not another season where this comes true. Anyway, time to
put Crumbletown behind us as we meet the Rorters this week in Gosford.
This was a top trip last year, and you can be guaranteed there will be a
strong contingent at the game. I'll see you there - Your ever
increasingly cynical Ultra

Ps I would just like to thank Ben for the job he has done with the away
trips in recent weeks. Ben only joined the Army this year, but I express
the feelings of many within the Army in saying he has been excellent,
and has always put his hand up to transport us. Credit must also go to
Paul and Simon again, not only for the shirts, but all the
organisational work that goes on behind the scenes. They have worked
tremendously hard for getting the Army to where we are now, and if the
players put in the same sort of effort these blokes did, we'd win the
comp in a canter. Thanks must also go to everyone that sits with the
Army each week, you have been a credit to the club this season, long may
it continue!