Canberra Raiders Cup 2021: Round Four Preview
Round four of the Canberra Raiders Cup kicks off this weekend, with many exciting games
Match of the Round: West Belconnen Warriors v Woden Valley Rams, 1:45pm Saturday 1 May at Raiders Belconnen
The West Belconnen Warriors and the Woden Valley Rams go head-to-head in this week’s CRC match of the round.
The West Belconnen Warriors went down in a last-minute loss against the Gungahlin Bulls last week and will be looking to get their first win of the season on Saturday.
Warriors forward Josh Ayers says starting well will be key for the side this week, as they hope to secure a win.
“Getting in the game early, getting in that arm wrestle, getting in that back and forth straight away,” Ayers said.
“Not making any errors early, which we have been doing a lot.”
Ayers knows the Warriors need to focus on themselves and their game plan this week if they want to win.
“The first two rounds we focused on the other side and that’s probably the reason why we got off to a slow start.”
The Woden Valley Rams also suffered a 26-12 loss over the Queanbeyan Kangaroos in round three and are hoping to re-join the winners circle this weekend.
Rams captain Steven Ferry knows that his side is improving each week, but their defence is crucial if they want to win.
“We keep improving, so we just have to build on that this week,” Ferry said.
“We’re desperate to get this win this week to really set us up leading into the rest of the season.
“A big thing for us is defence. We really need to get our defence right, if we get that right our attack comes off the back of it.”
Hear from Woden Valley Rams captain Steven Ferry and West Belconnen Warriors second-rower Josh Ayers as they preview the Match of the Round.
Tuggeranong Bushrangers v Queanbeyan Blues, 3pm Saturday 1 May at Greenway Oval, Tuggeranong
It will be a tough game for the Tuggeranong Bushrangers as they face the currently undefeated Queanbeyan Blues.
After losing in the last few minutes in a high scoring game against the Yass Magpies, the Bushrangers will be looking to get their second win of the season.
Last week’s game proved they have the potential to win against a strong side like the Blues, and they won’t want to let another win slip away.
The Queanbeyan Blues gave the Goulburn City Bulldogs their first loss of the season in a 38-20 win at Seiffert Oval last week.
The Blues are the side to watch so far this season, with their attack particularly impressive.
But, with three players scoring doubles last week for the Bushrangers, there is no doubt the team will put up a good fight in attack.
Queanbeyan Kangaroos v Belconnen United Sharks, 3pm Saturday 1 May at Seears Workwear Oval, Queanbeyan
After a bye last week, the Belconnen Sharks are still looking to get their first win of the season.
They came close against the Gungahlin Bulls in round two, but the Bulls proved too good in the last 10 minutes of the match.
The Queanbeyan Kangaroos are coming off a 26-12 win over the Woden Rams in round three, which is a huge confidence boost for the side as it was their first win of the season.
Queanbeyan winger Temple Rupapera will be the player to watch after scoring a double in last week’s game.
Gungahlin Bulls v Yass Magpies, 3pm Saturday 1st May at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval
This will be a match to watch, with both sides coming off extremely close wins in round three.
The Gungahlin Bulls will be full of confidence after a miraculous team try in the final minute won them the game over the West Belconnen Warriors.
Fullback Tristan Eldridge has been outstanding for the Bulls, and it was his acrobatics that led to the Bulls win last week.
Yass Magpies winger Bruce Barrie will be one to watch on Saturday, after bagging four tries in last week’s match.
With the Bulls currently sitting second, and Yass in fourth, it will be a game worth watching.
