Bulls Keep Finals Chances Alive

The Gungahlin Bulls have kept their slim finals chances alive with a tight eight-point victory against the West Belconnen Warriors at Raiders Belconnen on Multicultural day. 

The opening fifteen minutes of the contest saw neither side able to get into a rhythm as penalties and errors cruelled the contest early. 

Despite, the errors both sides were able to create half opportunities; however the execution wasn't there. 

This was until Elliot Whitehead stood up for his side and demanded the football down the right edge before providing his centre George Pohahau early ball to crash over for the games first. 

It didn't take the Warriors long to extend their advantage with a length of the field raid from the young left edge, finished off by halfback Blake Slater for his first try of the season, he successful converted his own try to extend their led to 10-0. 

A penalty to the Bulls provided them with their best field position of the opening half, with the invitation being accepted by Xanda Georgievski after Ethan Miller iced a three on two superbly. 

After their first points of the afternoon, Gungahlin looked the better of the two sides in the final ten minutes of the half, Noah Marcantonio ensured his side went into the sheds even at the break with a try on the halftime siren underneath the posts. 

A knock on from the kickoff against Matt Frawley provided the Warriors side with a victory early in the second stanza, with Noah Vanisi forcing an error on Croker before crashing over to restore the home side's six-point lead. 

It wouldn't be long until the Bulls hit back after a swift movement to the right-hand side saw Harvey Mahoney punch into a yawning gap before running thirty to bring the Bulls within two. 

For the second time in the match, the Bulls scored consecutive tries, this time through centre Nofoasa Lemalu who was at his damaging best close to the line bumping off defenders with ease to put the Bulls in front 18-16. 

The game then descended into a set for set contest, with the Bulls slowing winning the field position, their impressive ball movement was on display once again with Ethan Miller finishing off a sweeping move on the right edge. 

The Warriors set up a grandstand finish in the final five minutes, after Atu Tupou crashed over from close range, however Harvey Mahoney ensured the Bulls left Raiders Belconnen with the two competition points.