Canberra Raiders Cup: Round 17 Preview
It all comes down to the results this week in the Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup for the teams that are in the fight for a spot in the top four.
Woden Valley Rams v West Belconnen Warriors, 3:00pm Saturday 19th Phillip Oval
After a gruelling 20-14 loss to Belconnen United last week, Woden’s fate is determined on Saturday when they face a confident West Belconnen side.
This is effectively a must-win game for both teams, where a win for the Warriors will secure their side a finals spot, while the Rams have a chance to snag fourth and knock their opponents down to fifth.
A loss for Woden will close the curtains on their finals hopes, along with Goulburn's as well, who have the bye this weekend.
With their season on the line this weekend, Rams Centre Gideon Afemui says their “whole focus has been to not look past this weekend”.
“Knocking them off and ripping their season from them is what we want to do, but obviously that’s what they want to do to us as well,” he said.
Warriors prop Mitch Shaw says it will be up to himself and the rest of their forward pack to get the win over Woden.
“If our forwards go out and take it to them, it will go a long way to get the win, but if we slack off and let them get over us then I reckon they might do us,” he said.
“It’s always a tough game playing Woden, we don’t like them and they don’t like us”.
Queanbeyan Kangaroos v Belconnen United Sharks, 3:00pm Saturday 19th Seears Workwear Oval
The Kangaroos bounced back from their first loss of the season against Tuggeranong with a dominant 58-14 victory over Gungahlin last week to secure the minor premiership.
They now look to enter finals with momentum as they come up against an inform Sharks outfit with two rounds remaining.
After a brave win against Woden with a few missing troops, Belconnen United aim to further solidify their top two spot.
The last time the Sharks and Kangaroos met back in round six, Queanbeyan were too strong, beating Belconnen 46-6.
The Sharks have an opportunity to prove themselves as genuine contenders come finals time.
Tuggeranong Bushrangers v Yass Magpies, 3:00pm Saturday 19th Greenway Oval
The battle for finals spots is tense, and Tuggeranong are in the thick of it.
The Bushrangers haven’t dropped a game since round nine, which has seen them shoot up to third.
Adding two more competition points to their season will be invaluable in maintaining their position in the top four.
They will be looking to continue their streak and make a push for second, when they come up against last-placed Yass on Saturday.
The Magpies won’t shy away from sticking it to the Bushrangers and staying in the grind, as they aim to finish their season on a high.
Queanbeyan Blues v Gungahlin Bulls, 3:00pm Saturday 19th Seiffert Oval
Eighth-placed Queanbeyan host seventh-placed Gungahlin in what will be an evenly matched and hard-fought game.
Both teams are coming off big losses last week, with the Bulldogs beating the Blues 54-6, and the Kangaroos getting over the Bulls 58-14.
They will each be looking to bounce back, fighting for a morale victory.
With the bye next week, this will be Gungahlin’s last game of the season, they will play with all they have left in the tank, aiming to finish their season on a positive note.
Goulburn City Bulldogs v Bye
