ST George Illawarra Dragons stretched their winning streak to six consecutive games with a stirring 14-12 victory on Saturday in the annual Anzac Day clash against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.
In a dramatic day where the players were taken from the field and the game suspended for 30 minutes because of heavy rain, hail and lightning, the Dragons confirmed their status as genuine finalists with the victory.
The Dragons have equalled their winning streak of six games that they produced in 2011.
Halfback Benji Marshall received the man of the match award and the Dragons won the Anzac Day Cup, played for between the teams since 2002.
Marshall is staking a claim for an international rugby league recall for New Zealand as the Kiwis play Australia next Friday night in Brisbane on May 1 in the Anzac clash.
The Dragons received a major boost before the game with winger Jason Nightingale returning a week earlier than expected from a foot injury.
And Dragons skipper Ben Creagh played his 250th game for the club. He made his debut on the wing in season 2003.
The Dragons led 10-0 at the 27th minute mark through tries to Peter Mata'utia and Mitch Rein when referee Gerard Sutton took the teams from the field for player safety because of the storms.
Dragons five-eighth Gareth Widdop kicked three goals and continues to play well each week and his combination with Benji Marshall is getting better all the time.
A crowd of 35,110 fell silent with the playing of the Last Post before the game.
Both sides gave a committed display in attack and defence in the wet conditions.
The Dragons fans erupted and vented their frustration in thee second half when centre Dylan Farrell appeared to score a try chasing through a kick but referee Suton did not refer the close call to the video referee.
St George Illawarra Dragons 14( Mitch Rein, Peter Mata'utia tries, Gareth Widdop 3 goals) defeated Sydney Roosters 12. Crowd: 35,110.