Austbrokers Canberra Raiders Cup: Round 8

The split round continues this week in the Canberra Raiders Cup, as two matches are due to be played this weekend.

Last week, the Queanbeyan Blues beat the Tuggeranong Bushranger 14-6 in wet condition. The Blues scored three tries to one as victory ensured the Blues go into this week on top of the ladder, albeit having played one match more.

Blues coach and former Raider, Simon Woolford played in the halves for Queanbeyan in what was his first game of the season.

"There would have been too many changes if I put someone in there out of position, I thought one game for the year won't hurt,” said Woolford.

“I didn't really want to play but we had no choice. And when the rain came down last night and today, I definitely didn't want to play."

The other match scheduled for last weekend – Goulburn Workers Bulldogs v Yass Magpies - was postponed due to the weather and will be played at a later date which is yet to be confirmed.

Queanbeyan Kangaroos will host West Belconnen in what is the match of the round. The fourth-placed Roos are level on points but West Belconnen have a better for-and-against record. Having conceded a miserly 112 points in 2016, West Belconnen have the second best defensive record in the competition but will need to keep an eye on Queanbeyan’s Adam Pearce who has six tries to his name already this season.

The winner of Saturday’s match will draw level with the Blues at the top of the ladder.

The Woden Valley Rams host the Gungahlin Bulls this Saturday at 3pm. After winning their first two games of the season, Woden have lost their following five matches and sit second last on the ladder.

The Bulls, on the other hand, have been in fine form. The Bulls have only lost one game this season, which was against the Blues in Round 1. A win for the Bulls this weekend will see the side draw level with the Blues on points.