Katrina Fanning Shield: Round One Wrap
The 2025 Blumers Lawyers Katrina Fanning Shield kicked off on Saturday, with three entertaining matches setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
Woden Valley Rams 18 draw West Belconnen Warriors 18
Woden Valley Rams and West Belconnen Warriors shared the points after a stalemate at Boomanulla Oval on Saturday.
Despite the Warriors outscoring the Rams four tries to three, it was Lara Cosgrove’s perfect day with the boot that proved decisive - converting all three of Woden’s tries and adding one of her own.
In contrast, West Belconnen managed just one successful conversion from four attempts.
Warriors backrower Rosaline Aumale was a standout, causing headaches for the defence and crossing for a double.
With both teams tipped as title contenders, this clash offered a preview of what’s to come in the 2025 Katrina Fanning Shield.
Yass Magpies 44 def. Goulburn City Bulldogs 6
The Yass Magpies kicked off their title defence in style, delivering a commanding 44-6 victory over the Goulburn City Bulldogs.
Maddison Goodger, Gabbie Davis, and Sami Afele each bagged doubles in a standout attacking display for the reigning premiers.
Katelyn Staples crossed for Goulburn’s lone try in a tough season opener they’ll be eager to improve on moving forward.
Yass now turn their attention to a rivalry clash with West Belconnen, while Goulburn aim to regroup against a Blues side yet to kick off their 2025 campaign.
Gungahlin Bulls 30 def. Tuggeranong Bushrangers 24
The Gungahlin Bulls edged out the Tuggeranong Bushrangers in a high-scoring, back-and-forth contest at Gungahlin Enclosed on Saturday.
Both sides crossed for five tries apiece, but Samantha Bailey’s perfect day with the boot proved the difference for the Bulls.
Tikirah-ann Douglas bagged a double for Gungahlin, while Caitlin Fazey-Robinson and Nirvana Ngan-Woo each scored twice for the Bushrangers.
Despite the narrow defeat, it’s an encouraging start for Tuggeranong as they went toe-to-toe with last year’s runners-up after finishing second last in 2024.
Image by Trish Sullivan
