Canberra withstood a late Parramatta revival before narrowly securing a much-needed 40-34 victory at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.
After trailing 24-6 at halftime, Parramatta looked out for the count, but trailing 34-18 with 12 minutes to go the Eels launched a desperate comeback.
Three quick tries to Ryan Morgan, Ken Sio and Chris Sandow had the wooden-spooners within two points with just three minutes left.
But the Raiders managed to just hang on, with Jack Wighton scoring in the corner just before the buzzer for a slightly more respectable 40-34 scoreline.
The win gives the Raiders their first in four games and lifts their own disappointing season from the doldrums, while it's the fifth defeat in a row for the Eels.
But coach Stephen Kearney can take some positives from the match, with Parramatta refusing to lie down and Sandow impressive in his first game back from injury.
It came as no surprise that the Eels put up a good fight after having to front angry members and supporters at their annual general meeting during the week.
