This game had a lead in time that began in July 2017 when this Raiders squad got together with the ambition to challenge for SIFL silverware. A long unbeaten run that stretched 23 games in all saw them within grasp of the league championship title. A quick reminder that we’re all mortals came in the shape of Japan and Saints. A few eyebrows were raised and whispers that Raiders were only pretenders were heard in some dive bars in Saigon. Once this message was relayed to the Raiders warriors the answer came in a 7:0 demolition of Saints. That victory put Raiders within 3 points of the championship. Three games left and 3 points needed. First up was Sporting who notified Raiders a few days before the fixture that they would not be fielding a team but would forfeit the points. This news went down like a lead balloon. Raiders could take no honour or pride in securing a championship with forfeited points. Luke spoke to the Sporting leader, Mark and said the Raiders coach wanted the players to be given the opportunity to challenge for the championship with dignity. Sporting lived up to their name and the game was fixed for late on Thursday night. A 9:30PM kick off . Remember the date – 17th May 2018

It was going to be hard to change the squad that had laid Saints to rest in the previous outing but with Wouter travelling for business and Mike chained to his throne up stepped Rick and the unflappable Ben Mansell. This season has taken a huge effort from a huge squad and this league campaign has seen Raiders field 41 different squad members.

‘Mirko Italiano Eh Mirko’ took up his customary position between the sticks and everyone on the sideline speculated which minute would see him pull off yet another feat of heart stopping acrobatics to deny the opposition a seemingly certain goal.

Starting at right back, Gary the wee warrior from Cork who never got a yellow in two seasons (just ask Craig)
Centre back and captain, Olly who’s returned to majestic form turned up expecting a fancy dress parade (ask Andy about it)

Scott slotted in at the left back spot which he claims he owns (his own words)

Danny Heneghan started at right wing back after a mighty performance against Saints

Mick took up his position centre mid, again ready to boss whoever dared stepped into his space

Andy took up his slot alongside Mick and promised a hat trick if the coach would buy him a bottle of Grey Goose in Envy (as much chance of that as him scoring a penalty at the Viking Cup)

Ben soon to be papa Mansell steps in left wingback , ready to stop any overlaps and just maybe score a screamer on the counter attack

Clemens stepped into number 10, ready to remind everyone that he’s back to top form and hungry as a bear emerging from hibernation

Rick, flew 10,000km just to join training on Wednesday and grab that slot that Wouter left. No jet lag, just commitment and hunger for goals

Completing the attack was Hoggy (complete with toy at the ready) to join this goal machine trio

The bench stacked with talent and eager to get involved in securing the title

Nicolas the classy but dangerous Frenchman who can slot in anywhere in midfield or defence

Nayan, another of the talented Dutch contingent who’s been breaking into this squad with some excellent performances

Vincent, our German IronMan ready to destroy any opposition defence

Dan B, our electric English winger who strikes fear into any defenders he’s run ragged all season

Guido, another flying Dutchman who’s made a super impression since joining the squad late in the season

Ben S (Come on Waiders!) equally comfortable smashing goals, playing pipes while wearing a skirt or breakdancing

What a squad. Heaven help Sporting.

The sideline was packed with young and older Raiders, dressed in club colours, waving Raiders flags and singing at the top of their lungs. They could sense that this could be the night Raiders have been searching for for twelve long seasons.

The game started at a great pace with Raiders looking to dominate but also having to deal with a very dangerous Sporting attack. Tonight was a night for men to step up and boys step aside. This was going to be a real battle and the Raiders were up for the challenge. Exchanges were end to end but then inevitable happened. On 13 minutes a little bit of magic by Clemens unlocked the Sporting defence and up steps Rick to open the scoring for Raiders. The Raiders sideline erupted. These two guys have a telepathic understanding in front of goal that is indefensible. It begins.

The game continues and coach decides to change the pace a little. Danny H who’s been having a great game is replaced by Dan B to rip up the wing and add to the attack. Nicolas replaced Mick in defensive mid to help launch some attacks. On 32 mins Hoggy, who was causing all sorts of headache for Sporting unlocked their defence and that man Clemens smashed in goal number two. Repeat ecstatic Raiders sideline.

Raiders were on top and continued to press, looking to put the game beyond reach before half time. On 39 mins Raiders win a corner and Scott swings in a perfectly weighted cross. Nicolas steams in to the near post and heads into the back of the net. Sporting are stunned.

Half time comes and coach calls the players together, explaining that the job isn’t finished and that Sporting will not give up easily. some reference to elephants and one bite at a time had Scott thinking of MacDonald’s on the way home (or was it the big Mac he had on the way to the game). Anyway, it got a confused smile (and this turkey nomination) but the message that Sporting meant business got through.

Second half and Sporting took the game to Raiders and coach made some changes to introduce some pressure on the Sporting midfield. Vincent replaced Ben M on the left to force them back . Hoggy was getting frustrated by some of the refereeing decisions (and remember that toy I mentioned earlier). Yes, he chucked it right out of the pram. Coach decided to bring him off to find the toy again and regain his composure. Who should replace him but Saigon Raiders very own Mr Calm, Ben S. Guido and Mick then joined the fray to help deal with the Sporting attack.

In the 34th minute something so utterly out of character happened that a usually quiet and totally not cynical Manc voice could be heard from the Raiders sideline shout ‘ Surely that’s not Gary getting a yellow’

The dogged Sporting pressure finally paid off in the 35th minute with a consolation goal that they deserved for their second half performance. Nayan came in to see out the rest of the game and ensure the Raiders defence had fresh legs to keep the Sporting attack at bay.

The final whistle came and the whole Raiders family came onto the pitch to greet these great warriors who fought hard all season to bring home this long awaited championship.

To be continued……