The game was not flashy, high-flying, electrifying or anything outstanding. If you wonder why that was the case, thy answer, is the weather.
Cold, windy and raining like cats and dogs, the weather allowed for very little flowing football for either the Canberra Raiders or the Parramatta Eels, but it was the home side that came out on top, winning 14-0.
The win sees the Raiders move into the eight for now, as they recorded their 12th straight win at home and kept an opposition side scoreless for the first time in four years.
For the Eels, it was their eighth consecutive loss and sees them rooted to the bottom of the ladder and needing wins (and fast) if they have any hope of avoiding a second straight spoon.
It was the veteran running the show, as Terry Campese’s accurate kicking and passing game proving the difference, with the Raiders 5/8 saying he made it a personal challenge for himself to play well in the wet weather.
“I made it a bit personal tonight,” Campese said.
“I’ve struggled in the wet this year, not running the ball.”
In tough Levitra Online conditions, both sides struggled to hold the ball and make the most of their opportunities, with Eels captain Tim Mannah admitting that the cold weather took its toll on his players.
“It’s a nice place to come to, but it’s also a nice place to leave,” Mannah said.
Despite being held scoreless, Stuart praised his side for their efforts.
“If they went our way we probably would have won the game,” Stuart said.
“Everything I asked them to do they did tonight.
“You’re not going to play in much tougher conditions.”
One player Stuart had a lot of time for and had no problems in congratulating was Raiders young gun Anthony Milford, who played well – prompting Stuart to make a well-timed joke.
“Is Kevin Rudd renting over at Yarralumla still? Because I’d be buying the Lodge and giving it to young Milford to keep him here,” Stuart said.
“He’s a real talent.”
The Raiders win means they now need just 6 consecutive wins at home, to break the record of 17 most consecutive wins at home achieved in 1993-95.
3. Terry Campese
2. Anthony Milford
1. David Shillington.