The grand finals are locked in for two CRRL Cup competitions, with the reserve grade top two still undecided after round eight action.
First Grade
Gungahlin Bulls 34 (Tries: J Simbiken 2, T Sherd, J Williams, C Smith, L Bradley, A Pettit; Goals: T Holton-Williams 2, Z Patch) d Woden Valley Rams 20 (Tries: L Vaalepu, D Desmet, G Afemui, B Donnelly; Goals: B Robertson 2)
The Gungahlin Bulls booked their place in the grand final in two weeks time after defeating the Woden Valley Rams 34-20 at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval on Saturday.
Bulls centre Jedidiah Simbiken was best on field for the home team, scoring twice and setting up anther two in his performance.
Bulls winger Todd Sherd and second rower Jack Williams scored back to back tries in the first quarter of the game to give the home side an early 8-0 lead.
The Rams hit back with Lazarus Vaalepu scoring under the posts, and Brayden Robertson converting.
Gungahlin’s Cody Smith crashed over for the Bulls next, but Rams five-eighth Daniel Desmet hit right back with his own try, bring the score to 14-12.
Gideon Afemui dived over the tryline in the corner just before half-time to give the Rams a 16-14 lead heading into the break.
Two tries to Simbiken and one to winger Linkin Bradley gave all the momentum to the Bulls in the second half, with prop Alex Pettit also crashing over for a four-pointer.
Rams centre Brandon Donnelly scored in the final few minutes of the game to bring the score to 34-20.
The Bulls win sees them finish round eighth in second place, four points ahead of the Rams.
Raiders Under 20’s 50 (Tries: C Eseras 3, T Croker, C Harris, T Rupapera, J Roberts, M Fellows, J Clarkson; Goals: J Williams 7) d Queanbeyan Blues 6 (Try: M Vanisi; Goal: M Parsons)
The Raiders Under 20’s claimed their sixth win of the season with a 50-6 win over the Queanbeyan Blues at Seiffert Oval on Saturday.
The Raiders Under 20’s proved too good for the Blues, running in nine tries to one in the rout.
Raiders U20’s centre Caleb Esera continued his strong form with a hat-trick, while halfback Jordan Williams was given Man of the Match honours.
Raiders lock Jayden Clarkson scored his first try of the season in his side’s win.
Manu Vanisi scored the Blues only try of the game.
The win sees the Raiders Under 20’s finish round eight on top of the ladder, four points ahead of the Gungahlin Bulls.
The Raiders Under 20’s will take on the Bulls next weekend, while Queanbeyan host the Woden Valley Rams.
Reserve Grade
Woden Valley Rams 22 d Gungahlin Bulls 8
The Woden Valley Rams bounced back from their round seven loss with a 22-8 win over the Gungahlin Bulls at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval on Saturday.
The win puts the Rams in first place heading into the final round, two points ahead of the UC Stars and Queanbeyan Blues.
Rams five-eighth Jesse Taws starred for the visiting side, scoring a try, kicking two conversions and leading the team well around the park.
Mitchell Swadling, Tobias Moore and Bryce Philipzen were the other try-scorers for Woden.
Ryan Lean and Tyson Priestly scored for the Bulls, who fought hard all game.
Queanbeyan Blues 14 d UC Stars 10
The Queanbeyan Blues continued their strong momentum with a tight 14-10 win over the UC Stars at Seiffert Oval on Saturday.
In what was their fourth straight win, the Blues are now equal second with the UC Stars heading into the final round.
Bryce Lee, Luke Jones and Jamie Morgan were the try scorers for the home side, while Jayleel Fa’amoe Ioane scored a double for the Stars.
The UC Stars take on the Gungahlin Bulls in round nine, while the Queanbeyan Blues face the Woden Valley Rams.
Specsavers CRRL Cup Ladies League Tag
Gungahlin Bulls 14 d Woden Valley Rams 0
The Gungahlin Bulls are back in the winners circle after a 14-0 win over the Woden Valley Rams at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval on Saturday.
Caitlin Turnbull scored all three tries in her team’s win, as the home side held the Rams scoreless.
The Bulls finish the round in first position, two points ahead of the Queanbeyan Blues.
Queanbeyan Blues 38 d UC Stars 0
The Queanbeyan Blues booked their place in the grand final after a comprehensive 38-0 victory over the UC Stars at Seiffert Oval on Saturday.
Kimberley Grant starred for the Blues, with the team running in seven tries.
Blues player Erin Hickson scored a hat-trick and Briony Frater scored twice, also kicking five successful conversions.
The Blues take on the Rams next weekend, while the Bulls play the UC Stars.
