Canberra Raiders Cup: Round 18 Wrap
The Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup finals race comes down to the final round of the season, with an exciting weekend of footy seeing five teams a remaining in the title race.
Belconnen United Sharks 34 def. Woden Valley Rams 14
The Belconnen United Sharks claimed an important victory for their top two chances defeating the Woden Valley Rams at home by 20 points.
Needing to win to keep their top two chances alive, the Sharks shot out to an eighteen-point lead, a lead which they wouldn't relent, halfback Jordan Holten-Williams was instrumental for his side winning the Queanbeyan Kangaroos Leagues Player of the Match.
Meanwhile, the loss for the Rams takes their finals chances out of their own hands, they will need to win next weekend and rely on a result going their way in Goulburn to feature in finals action, Brad Prior was massive in the middle of the field punching out big minutes.
The Sharks have the week off prior to the Semi Finals, a win for the Blues will see them an elimination final, whilst a victory to the Kangaroos will set up a top two showdown, whilst Woden Valley travel to Yass to play the Magpies.
Queanbeyan Kangaroos 28 def. Goulburn City Bulldogs 10
The Queanbeyan Kangaroos bounced out of the bye strongly this weekend with a strong victory at home against the Goulburn City Bulldogs.
Despite having top spot already secured, the Kangaroos have sent a warning shot to the competition a fortnight prior to the finals, five-eighth Richie Levita continued his strong form this season scoring a try, whilst Captain Coach Adam Quinlan also impressed.
Meanwhile, the defeat for the Bulldogs sees them remain on the cusp of the finals, with a victory next weekend at home securing their spot in the top four, Filipo Sefulu crossed for their sole try of the afternoon with Tyler Cornish a perfect 3/3 from the boot.
The Kangaroos will prepare for the finals with a match against their cross-town rivals in the Blues, whilst the Bulldogs will be looking to secure finals against the West Belconnen Warriors at home.
Queanbeyan Blues 34 def. Tuggeranong Bushrangers 24
The Queanbeyan Blues hopes of a top two finish have strengthen with a tight ten-point win away from home against the Tuggeranong Bushrangers.
A hat-trick from centre Jamie Mazzarol Kotz has guided the Blues to an important victory in their season, with the side continuing their build towards a title defence, a win next weekend sets up a Grand Final rematch in the Major Semi Final.
Meanwhile, for the Bushrangers their season may be coming to an end, however they pushed the premiers for the full eight minutes for the second time this season, winger Jayden Pollard crossed for his seventh try of the year in the defeat.
The Queanbeyan Blues will prepare for a finals like encounter against the Queanbeyan Kangaroos, whilst the Bushrangers finish their season against the Gungahlin Bulls.
Gungahlin Bulls 38 def. Yass Magpies 16
The Gungahlin Bulls put on an exciting attacking display on Saturday afternoon at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval defeating the Yass Magpies.
A hat-trick to Jesse Croker and double to edge backrower Harvey Mahoney guided Gungahlin to their fourth win of the season, with the two points ensuring they avoid the Wooden Spoon this year.
Meanwhile, the loss for the Magpies sees them remain bottom of the Canberra Raiders Cup ladder and results in a second consecutive wooden spoon, Toby Dasey scored for the ninth time this season.
The Gungahlin Bulls will look to secure back-to-back wins to finish the year next weekend against the Tuggeranong Bushrangers, whilst the Magpies will look to play spoiler for the Rams finals chances.
