Katrina Fanning Shield: Round 17 Preview

Top four clashes headline Round 17 action of the Katrina Fanning Shield, as the finals quickly approach the weekend's matches are set to have major finals ramifications. 

Gunghalin Bulls vs Woden Valley Rams, Saturday 15th August, Gungahlin Enclosed Oval, 12:00pm

The Woden Valley Rams travel to Gungahlin Enclose Oval for an exciting top four contest against the Gungahlin Bulls. 

The Bulls enter this weekend's contest looking to bounce back after suffering defeat last weekend against the Blues in the dying stages, Amelia Kiriui will hold the keys to providing the platform for the home side, whilst Molly Sturgiss has scored four tries in the last two games. 

Meanwhile, Woden Valley enters this weekend fresh having the bye in round 16, their previous matchup was a high scoring affair against the Blues at Seiffert Oval, fullback Lara Cosgrove will be number one on the tip sheet for the Bulls scoring seven tries in the past three games. 

A victory for either side this weekend will provide them with plenty of confidence heading into the final's series, with the side's most likely to meet in the Minor Semi Final in a couple weeks' time. 

West Belconnen Warriors vs Belconnen United Sharks, Saturday 15th August, Raiders Belconnen, 12:00pm 

The West Belconnen Warriors take on the Belconnen United Sharks in a top of the table showdown on Saturday afternoon. 

The Warriors arrive back home after a successful trip to Greenway Oval, where they secured a 28-0 victory against the Tuggeranong Bushrangers, collecting the two points will ensure West Belconnen claim the Minor Premiership for the second straight season. 

Whilst, for Belconnen United they had last weekend off with the bye and will be looking to bounce back after suffering a defeat against the Bulls in round 15, the Sharks will be sweating on the fitness of their fullback Eliza Taylor who was named on the interchange bench. 

The two competition points are paramount for the Sharks as they look to keep their Minor Premiership chances alive and ensure they finish in the top two, whilst the Warriors can make a statement to the competition with a strong victory. 

Yass Magpies vs Queanbeyan Blues, Saturday 15th August, Walker Park, 12:00pm 

The Yass Magpies quest for their first victory of the season continues as they welcome the Queanbeyan Blues to Walker Park. 

The Magpies have had the last two weekends off being drawn back-to-back byes, with their latest performance coming in round 14, which was a heavy defeat against the Sharks at NSWRL HQ, prior to that the side had experienced three straight draws.  

Meanwhile, the Blues secured victory in the dying stages against the Gungahlin Bulls last weekend, Payge Salinas and Courtney Mapleson continue to be key players for Queanbeyan as their form continues to improve as the season progresses. 

Although both teams are out of the race for finals, they will be desperate to ensure they claim a win as they look to their finish their season in strong form and build into next year. 

Image by Trisha Sullivan