Queanbeyan Blues (1) 56 defeated Queanbeyan Kangaroos (7) 0
After two rounds of the Austbrokers Canberra Raiders Cup, the Queanbeyan Blues already look the team to beat, as they sent out an ominous warning to the rest of the competition with a 56-0 demolition of local rivals the Queanbeyan Kangaroos.
Coming into the clash rested after enjoying the bye in round one, the Roos had no answer for the Blues rampant attack in the ten tries to none onslaught.
After starring in his Blues debut last week, Kiwi recruit Eko Malu again had a major role in proceedings, scoring a try to go along with eight goals to take the early lead on the leagues point scoring chart.
But it was Malu’s halves partner Luke Branighan who was everywhere, piloting the Blues around the Seiffert Oval pitch with ease as well as grabbing his first try for the season.
After the match, Branighan was quick to play down the dominant display, cautioning that there was still a long way to go in season 2016.
"We'll make sure we don't get ahead of ourselves, it's a quality competition and you don't win comps in round two,” he said.
Lock Tsai Tui, who was also one of the Blues best, and centre Tyler Stevens both bagged doubles as the score blew out in the second half.
Queanbeyan Blues 56 (T Stevens 2, T Tui 2, L Branighan, E Malu, J Martin, J Nchouki, J Wheeler, A McInness tries; E Malu 8 goals) defeated Queanbeyan Kangaroos 0
Woden Valley Rams (3) 42 defeated Belconnen Sharks (9) 18
Like the Blues, Woden Valley were another side to make it two wins from two starts as they easily accounted for the Belconnen Sharks 42-18.
Centre George Pohahau did the most damage on the scoreboard for the Rams, crossing for a try and kicking seven goals, while Luke Johnson scored two tries, and halfback Grant Crapp scored his second try in two games.
Rams head coach Ashley Barnes said the most pleasing aspect of his side’s win was the improvement of the team from the opening round.
“In round one, we had four players making their first grade debut and two making their club debut, so we are looking for improvements week to week as we continue to develop as a team,” Barnes said.
“We didn’t play our best in the first half, but were able to reset ourselves and stick to our plan in the second half, which allowed us to get the result.”
Despite another dominant win, Woden only sit third on the ladder, such has been the impressive start some teams have made to 2016
Meanwhile, it’s been a horror start to the season for the Sharks, who have now conceded 80 points in the first two games to sit bottom of the Austbrokers Canberra Raiders Cup standings.
Woden Valley Rams 42 (L Johnson 2, G Crapp, T Crome, M Geiger, G Pohahau, D Pangai tries; G Pohahau 7 goals) defeated Belconnen Sharks 18 (M Butz, D Eason, J Mecham-Crane tries; D Eason 3 goals)
West Belconnen Warriors (2) 32 defeated Goulburn Bulldogs (5) 20
Another side that is off to a flyer in 2016 is West Belconnen, who pulled off a gritty 32-20 win over the Goulburn Bulldogs.
Centre Ryley Thomas scored his second and third tries for the season as the Warriors continued their unbeaten start under coach Troy Thompson, with fullback Ryan McQueen also scoring for the second consecutive game.
Winger Pat Cooke grabbed a double for the visitors, who fought hard but ultimately couldn’t reel in the classy Warriors, who move up to second on the ladder with the 12 point win.
The loss drops the Bulldogs to 1-1 ahead of next week’s match away to the Yass Magpies, while the Warriors will be looking to go 3-0 as they host the Queanbeyan Roos in round three.
West Belconnen Warriors 32 (R Thomas 2, H Whatman, R McQueen, C Scott, T Aroha-Tuinauvai tries; B Roberts 4 goals) defeated Goulburn Bulldogs 20 (P Cooke 2, K Selmes, M Worboys tries; C Hart, B Picker goals)
Gungahlin Bulls (4) 46 defeated Tuggeranong Bushrangers (8) 12
Finally, the Gungahlin Bulls secured their first win for 2016, running out 46-12 victors over an unimpressive Tuggeranong Bushrangers side.
The eight tries to two win was notable as the Bulls had eight individual tryscorers, with co-coach David Howell and former NRL player Drury Low among the scorers.
Like the Sharks, the Bushrangers are winless from their first two matches, conceding 70 points in the process. And the going doesn’t get any easier next week, as they host the undefeated Blues at Greenway, while the Bulls next come up against the Rams.
Gungahlin Bulls 46 (J Elliot, B Hill, D Howell, C McAskill, N Sauer, J Scholes, M Dolis, D Low tries; F Peni 4, J Scholes 3 goals) defeated Tuggeranong Bushrangers 12 (J Hammond, B Wallace tries; J Russell 2 goals)
AUSTBROKERS CANBERRA RAIDERS CUP LADDER
