CRC and KFS Preliminary Finals Wrap

The 2025 Preliminary Finals saw two exciting games of football, as the West Belconnen Warriors set up an all-Belconnen Grand Final in the Katrina Fanning Shield, whilst a fast start from the Queanbeyan Kangaroos sees them with a chance of creating history in the Canberra Raiders Cup. 

Queanbeyan Kangaroos 46 def. Tuggeranong Bushrangers 24 

The Queanbeyan Kangaroos have returned to a familiar stage with a comprehensive victory over the Tuggeranong Bushrangers in the 2025 Canberra Raiders Cup preliminary final, keeping the dream of a three-peat alive. 

A fast and physical start from the Kangaroos saw them shoot out to a 26-point lead at half time, with the experienced halves Sam Williams and Adam Quinlan putting on a show at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval.  

The first half from the minor premiers was a clear contrast from last weekend against the Blues, as they extended their lead in the second half to 38-0 before the Bushrangers troubled the scorers. 

For the Bushrangers, their 2025 season comes to an end with a heavy defeat, however they fought right to the death in the second half, with Eddie Tiana scoring a double and leaders Darby Medlyn and Liam Oakley driving their team forward despite the heavy deficit. 

Their 11-game win streak brought national attention to the Canberra Raiders Cup; however, the fairytale finish wasn't meant to be. 

Whilst for the Kangaroos they have the opportunity for a fairytale of their own as they've earnt the right to compete for a historic three peat against their cross-town rivals in the Queanbeyan Blues, next Saturday at Seiffert Oval. 

West Belconnen Warriors 18 def. Woden Valley Rams 8 

The West Belconnen Warriors have returned to the KFS Grand Final for the second time in three years after a victory against the Woden Valley Rams in a tight contest. 

The Woden Valley Rams started the better of the two sides, with fullback Lara Cosgrove opening the scoring inside the opening ten minutes. 

Despite trailing for majority of the first half, the Warriors scored two tries in quick succession through Jay Huriwai and Crystal Papali'i, ensuring they took a 10-4 lead into halftime. 

Allie Booker extended the Warriors lead after the halftime interval, whilst a try from Rams front rower Lila Brewer set up a grandstand finish.

Up stood Jay Huriwai, with the Rams pressing their try line, the Warriors number seven collected a Cosgrove kick in a fifty-fifty contest and set off for the try line, the Rams chased valiantly, however Huriwai had too much speed scoring in the corner and putting West Belconnen into the Grand Final. 

For the Rams, whilst they will be disappointed with their season finishing a game short of the Grand Final, they can be proud of their improvement on the last year, which sees them go one game further. 

Whilst for the West Belconnen Warriors, they return to the KFS Grand Final and set up a mouthwatering contest against the Belconnen United Sharks at Seiffert Oval, kicking off at 12:10pm Saturday. 

Image by Trish Sullivan