Raiders vs Broncos

Disappointing, Demoralising, Heart-Breaking. Those three words could describe the words on any Raiders fan’s mouth after their performance on Saturday night. I have never been more frustrated or disappointed by a performance by my team.

The day started with a well organised Raiders Army pre-game BBQ. Excitement filled the air. Hope and anticipation were common themes amongst the discussion. Downing a few ales, the army headed out to the Bruce, hotly anticipating what was widely considered to be the game that would decide our season. The Raiders Army was in fantastic spirits, with songs flying thick and fast throughout the first half. Mention must go to Marshall Chalk, who lapped up the “Chalkie” chants, obviously excited to see us there and psyched for the massive game ahead.

The game was littered with constant mistakes from both sides, the Broncos slightly worse than the Raiders.  It was understandable really, because Canberra was having its first decent rainfall in over 2 years, but that didn’t deter a loud and proud army. We stood and sung through the cold and wet, and displayed our colours and projected our voices.

As the game progressed, it became more and more obvious to the men (and women) who “Believe” that the match was going to be a lot harder than previously thought, as the Raiders would roll 80m in a single set, yet could not cross the try line. It became painfully apparent that we were not going anywhere when we saw 5^th tackle options such as those seen in 2001, we all remember that, don’t we…

Try as we might, the army started to lose spirit midway through the first half as the Raiders were less than inspiring. Positives to come out of the match were the successful return of Raiders fullback, Clinton Schifcoske and the brilliant displays by Josh Miller, Andrew Lomu and especially, the great Alan Tongue, who had the honour of receiving a drop or two of RA beer on his right arm.

As I walked outside from the after-match function, I couldn’t help but notice the statue of Laurie Daley, arguably one of Canberra’s greatest ever players. It is a symbol of passion, loyalty, greatness and success; however I feel that the meaning of that statue appears to have been lost. When again will Canberra Stadium see success? Two players have been honoured at the Bruce: Laurie with his statue and the mighty Mal Meninga, after whom the western stand is named. As I look at the list of games to come, it doesn’t seem like it will get any easier for the Raiders or indeed the Raiders Army. Tensions grow amongst the league’s most passionate supporters, looking for a reason to feel the spirit of that word written on their backs.

The Raiders Army continues to follow the Raiders to the furthest reaches of the NRL’s territory, with a trip to Melbourne in the planning stages. We ask this: Raiders, give us passion, give us greatness. We walk beside you through thick and thin.

We are the Raiders Army.

Sing Hard.