Canberra Raiders Cup: Grand Final Wrap

Canberra Raiders Cup Grand Final Day saw some great grand finals, with minor premiers being crowned major premiers, an extra time thriller and tries on the siren.

Ladies League Tag

Gungahlin Bulls 12 def. Woden Valley Rams 0 

After two long years, the Gungahlin Bulls claimed victory in the Ladies League Tag Grand Final with a gritty display against the Woden Valley Rams. 

In an end-to-end contest, it was the Bulls who won the moments in the decider, with a try right on the stroke of half-time to Ashley Preston putting them in front at the break. 

The Rams were pressing to reduce the margin, with Keesha Kapea creating multiple opportunities, however it was the Bulls through Lahni Hall who scored the sealer. 

Rachel Grocott was crowned the best and fairest with her strong kick game and creativity causing the Woden Valley Rams trouble.

Under 19s

Goulburn City Bulldogs 22 def. Gungahlin Bulls 4

The Goulburn City Bulldogs crowned their impressive season in the Under 19s competition with a comprehensive victory against the Gungahlin Bulls. 

A fast start for the Bulldogs, saw them shoot out to a 16-point lead with tries to Woods, Mac Ferris and Tomlinson establishing an unassailable lead. 

The Bulls attempted a comeback, scoring the opening try of the second half through Angus Thomson, however a try to Bulldogs captain Toby Ferris sealed the deal. 

Fullback Levi Woods secured the Gleen Lazarus player of the match, as he scored a try and had a hand in another, in a match which completes Grand Final redemption for the Bulldogs in the Under 19s competition. 

Reserve Grade

Gungahlin Bulls 14 def. Yass Magpies 4 

The Gungahlin Bulls secured an extra time victory over the Yass Magpies in a fantastic game of football in the Reserve Grade competition. 

In a tight first half, it looked like we would go to the break at 0-0, with neither side looking to break, before kick to the corner from Morschel finding Lachlan Armstrong who leaped highest and opened the scoring. 

The Yass Magpies levelled the scores deep into the second half through their centre Dylan Perceval who finished off some nice work on the inside. 

Extra time was needed to decide the winner of this contest, as the Bulls retrieved the ball off the kickoff, with centre Kai Pennay pouncing on a kick into the in goal in the next set to take the lead. 

The Magpies tried to score the try that levelled the scores; however it was too little too late, as Elia Georgievski scored right on the stroke of full time in extra time to seal victory for the Bulls. 

Bulls' fullback Travis Vawdon was crowned player of the match, having some instrumental plays when the game was in the balance. 

Katrina Fanning Shield 

West Belconnen Warriors 40 def. Belconnen United Sharks 6 

The West Belconnen Warriors have won their second KFS title in three years with a comprehensive victory against their rivals in the Belconnen United Sharks. 

In a dominant display, the Warriors forwards laid an impressive platform which allowed their outside backs to take control of the game. 

Lock Aaliyah Lomas and centre Gabriella Savage caused headaches for the Sharks, as both crossed for four tries. 

Del Crighton was the best for the Sharks, with strong carries out of her end, whilst also crossing for a try early in the first half. 

Despite the loss, the Sharks can hold their heads high as they qualified for a Grand Final in their second year in the competition, with the side a threat in the years to come. 

However, it was the Warriors experience that came to the fore, with halfback Jay Huriwai claiming the player of the match off the back of her kicking game. 

Canberra Raiders Cup

Queanbeyan Blues 28 def. Queanbeyan Kangaroos 26

The Queanbeyan Blues stole the Canberra Raiders Cup premiership from their cross-town rivals with a try in the final minute in a great Grand Final. 

The Queanbeyan Blues raced out to a twelve-point lead, with tries from Dylan McLachlan and Jack Anderson. 

Despite trailing early, the Kangaroos fought back to take the lead with Rob Sheffield scoring a double and a try from Lucas Thomson right after half time. 

The Kangaroos believed they had won the match after a try from Bayley Hitchcock after great work on the inside from Sam Williams, up stood Dylan McLachlan for the Blues. 

With eight minutes remaining, McLachlan put up a kick into the right corner for centre James Hickey who patiently waited for the ball to land in his hands before scoring, and after Troy Codey added the extras, they only trailed by two.  

After a midfield bomb was unable to be defused by the Kangaroos, the Blues had one more opportunity, which their captain took with both hands, stepping off his right twice and scoring under the post to win the game for the Blues. 

Dylan McLachlan was crowned the Clyde-Sheens medalists for his performance and completed Grand Final redemption for his side. 

Image by Trish Sullivan