Canberra Raiders Cup 2022: Round 5 Preview
Round five of the Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup competition kicks off this weekend with the Queanbeyan derby between the Blues and Roos headlining the match of the round.
Match of the Round: Queanbeyan Blues vs Queanbeyan Kangaroos, Seiffert Oval, 3pm Saturday 7th May
This weekend's match of the round will see the Blues host the Kangaroos in the Queanbeyan derby with both teams in need of a win.
The Blues will be coming off a bye and currently sit with just the one win from their first three games. However the Blues will still feel confident after their only win of the season was against the Bushrangers in round two who currently sit on top of the ladder.
Meanwhile, the Kangaroos are the only side left in the competition without a win after going down to the Rams last week 34-28. Despite two tries for the Roos late in the match, they couldn't overcome the deficit as they fell to an 0-3 record to start the season.
Both teams currently sit in the bottom four with poor starts to the season, meaning this game will have some extra weight to it with both teams needing to go on a run sooner rather than later.
It will be a great local derby on Saturday afternoon between two desperate sides trying to push up the ladder.
Yass Magpies vs Tuggeranong Bushrangers, Walker Park, 3pm Saturday 7th May
After securing their first victory last weekend, the Magpies will be wanting to make it two wins in a row up against the top of the table Bushrangers.
The Magpies scored their first win of the season with a 34-16 win over the Blues away from home in last weekend's match of the round. It was tied 16-all with 15 minutes to go in the match before the Magpies came home strong to score three tries in that final period of the game.
Meanwhile, the Bushrangers currently sit on top of the ladder off the back of being the best defensive side in the competition with a 3-1 record. The Bushrangers were able to dominate the Sharks last week at home, led by hattrick hero Jack Davison, the home side secured a huge 52-16 win.
The Magpies will be hoping to upset the competition leaders at home this weekend and secure back to back wins.
Woden Valley Rams vs West Belconnen Warriors, Phillip Oval, 3pm Saturday 7th May
After getting back in the winners circle last weekend, the Rams will be hoping to keep their momentum going up against the undefeated Warriors at home.
After a disappointing loss to the Bushrangers in round three, the Rams came back to score a 34-28 win over the Kangaroos last weekend.
A strong opening to the second half put the game away as the Rams scored four unanswered tries in the opening 14 minutes of the half.
However, the Warriors are the only remaining undefeated team left in the competition after they defeated the Bulldogs 37-30 away from home.
It was all the Warriors in the first half as they were able to blow out the Bulldogs 24-6 led by captain Ryan McQueen who scored a double.
Both teams currently sit in the top four with just for and against separating them, meaning a big win for either team this weekend could potentially push the winner to the top of the ladder.
Belconnen United Sharks vs Gungahlin Bulls, NSWRL HQ Bruce, 3pm Saturday 7th May
The Sharks will host the Bulls in what could be a very high scoring match between the two worst defensive teams in the competition.
The Sharks have been on the end of two heavy defeats, conceding consecutive 52 point losses in their last two games.
The Sharks have conceded 152 points which is the most points conceded in the competition so far and will be hoping to put in a much better performance this Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Bulls will be disappointed after losing to the Magpies 34-16 after the game was close for 65 minutes before blowing out in favour of the Magpies. The Bulls have the second worst defence in the league, having conceded 129 points in their opening four games.
Both teams currently sit with a 1-3 record with slow starts to the season, meaning whoever can aim up in defence will go a long way in deciding this game on Saturday.
