From the archives

The year was 2005, the sun was shining, and the team was, well, above average for the division we were in. It was my first experience with Belrose Terrey Hills Raiders and what a year it was.

To cut a long story short, we won the minor premiership (league to all normal football fans) on the last day of the season on goal difference. We then went on to the semi final, where we played a team with a pretty solid defensive record. We went 1-0 down early in the game, and with about 5 minutes left we made what everyone must have thought a crazy substitution, McIvor off, Johno Whitehead on. As it transpires, it was a substitution of extraordinary genius by Super Coach Javs. Johno meandered onto the park and without breaking stride bundled the ball home for the equalising goal! Extra time golden goal followed, and we duly marched on to the final courtesy of a fine finish by paper legs Goddard, aka Mr Burns. He went on to celebrate his goal by running about 500 meters away swinging his shirt around his head. We celebrated with him when he returned.

The final was a fantastic day out, and we won the game 3-1 before going out and tearing Manly up that evening. A fantastic team and a fantastic season.

Some of the players from that year are still playing, some have moved on. Six years later, the class of 2011 are looking to recreate some of the magic of that team. For my money, we won that season because of our team spirit and willingness to fight for each other on the park. Hopefully we can bring some of that spirit back this year.

Here are some photos from the class of 2005.