The Queanbeyan Kangaroos have defeated the Tuggeranong Bushrangers 20-14 at Seears Workwear Oval on Saturday in round 10 of the Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders cup.
Queanbeyan had a 20-6 lead early in the second half, before Joshua Billing and Patrick Birch did their best to mount a comeback for the Bushies.
Queanbeyan’s defence did just enough to hold on to get the win, keeping alive their quest for a spot in the finals.
Tuggeranong had a horror start to the first half, knocking the ball on from the kickoff. Luckily, their defence stood firm as they repelled the Roos early on.
The Bushrangers were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute but the kick didn’t find touch - allowing Roos’ speedster, Steven Numambo, to run through the Bushies’ defence. Tuggeranong were able to scramble enough to survive the onslaught.
The Kangaroos’ pressure on the Bushrangers’ goal line was relentless. That pressure paid off when big Alifelti Ngahe crashed over the line to score in the 15th minute.
The Bushrangers hit back right away when Jack Davidson crossed in the right corner after a Queanbeyan kick was charged down. Liam Oakley converted to tie the scores at 6-6.
Roos’ five-eighth Thomas Casey scored seven minutes before halftime with a jinking run that saw Casey avoid a slew of attempted tackles. Lachlan Ingram converted to take the Roos’ lead out to 12-6.
Just before half time Roos’ half Glenn Baker intercepted a ball deep in the Bushrangers’ half. Seconds later Mitchell Sullivan crossed the line to give the Roos a 16-6 lead.
The Kangaroos started the second half as they ended first and this time it was former Raider Reece Robinson who scored. Robinson produced a scintillating run from 40 meters out, stepping through defenders and finding top gear on his way to the try-line.
Tuggeranong needed a try to keep in touch with the Roos. In the 60th minute Patrick Birch scored a much-needed try. Joshua Billing came up with an excellent mid-air catch off a kick before he set up Birch for the score.
Billing almost set up another try with a great flick pass to his winger Julian Haywood-Whiley. The Kangaroos’ defence got Haywood-Whiley just in the nick of time to force him into touch.
Birch scored a second try in the 75th minute with a great run close to the line. Oakley couldn’t convert, leaving the scores at 20-14 in favour of the Roos.
Despite their best efforts, the Bushrangers couldn’t find a late score to level the game and the Kangaroos were able to notch their third win in a row.
Queanbeyan Kangaroos 20 (Tries: A Ngahe, T Casey, M Sullivan, R Robinson; Goals: L Ingram 2) d Tuggeranong Bushrangers 14 (Tries: P Birch 2, J Davidson; Goals: L Oakley)
