Canberra Raiders Cup: Round 13 Wrap

Tight finishes were the name of the game in Round 13 of the Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup as the ladder continues to take shape. 

Gungahlin Bulls 28 def. West Belconnen Warriors 20 

The Gungahlin Bulls secured a tight eight-point victory on Sunday at Raiders Belconnen to ensure their slim finals chances are kept alive. 

In their third victory of the season, Bulls Captain Coach Matt Frawley produced a solid performance, whilst backrower Harvey Mahoney crossed for a double, including one of the full-time siren. 

For the Warriors, the loss is their second straight defeat and sees them remain two wins outside the top four, Atu Tupou and Noah Vanisi led from the front in the middle of the park, whilst Blake Slater has some nice moments. 

The Warriors will look to bounce back next weekend against a rested Blues team, whilst the Bulls strive for two straight victories against the Kangaroos at home. 

Belconnen United Sharks 28 def. Goulburn City Bulldogs 22 

The Belconnen United Sharks continued their impressive winning streak with a comeback victory against the Goulburn City Bulldogs at Workers Arena. 

Fullback Tyler Cornish ensured his good form continued with a double in the first half helping his side shoot out tp an eighteen nil lead. 

However, the Sharks were able to overturn the early deficit and further cement themselves as title contenders this season, halfback Jordan Holten-Williams guided his side to victory, scoring a double. 

Belconnen United return home this weekend and prepare for a contest against the Yass Magpies, whilst the Bulldogs have the weekend off with the bye. 

Queanbeyan Kangaroos 20 def. Woden Valley Rams 18 

The ladder leading Kangaroos escaped with a two-point victory at Woden Park against a valiant Rams side who now sit on the cusp of the top four. 

In a physical encounter, a penalty goal in the final five minutes from Kangaroos centre Lucas Thompson provided the difference and ensured the visitors claimed their ninth victory of the season. 

For the Rams, the loss sees them sit in fourth position, joined by the Bulldogs and Bushrangers on ten competition points, interchange utility Owen McCaughan produced his best game of the season, scoring two tries in the defeat. 

The Rams face a crucial match this weekend at Greenway Oval against the Bushrangers, whilst the Kangaroos travel to Gungahlin to take on the Bulls. 

Tuggeranong Bushrangers 25 def. Yass Magpies 24 

The Tuggeranong Bushrangers defeated the Yass Magpies in a thriller at Walker Park on Saturday. 

Despite the Bushrangers scoring one more try than the Magpies, scores were locked at with seconds remaining, enter Trae Bennetto who stepped on the siren for the visitors and successful kicked a field goal and claimed victory. 

For the Magpies, the loss has placed a significant dent in their final's aspirations, now sitting bottom of the Canberra Raiders Cup ladder, Toby Dasey was the home sides best scoring a double. 

The task for the Magpies doesn't get any easier with a date scheduled with the second placed Sharks at NSWRL HQ Bruce, whilst the Bushrangers will look to jump into the top four as they take on the Rams at home. 

Image by Trisha Sullivan