Katrina Fanning Shield Round Eight Preview

Things are heating up in the Specsavers Katrina Fanning Shield, with round eight action this weekend. 

UC Stars v Queanbeyan Blues, 12pm Saturday 26 June at Raiders Belconnen

The Queanbeyan Blues will be looking to back up last week's performance when they take on the UC Stars this Saturday. 

The Blues are coming off a 16 point victory over the previously undefeated Yass Magpies, with Queanbeyan's attack particularly impressive. 

Hooker Payge-Louise Condon picked up three Best and Fairest points in the match, the third time she's done so this season.

Queanbeyan prop Mikaela Turner told the Rub of the Green podcast this week that her side is expecting a tough match against the Stars.

"One thing we noticed when we were watching UC is that they're so strong and they really get behind each other. They really go out and play hard and do everything they can for themselves and also for their coach," Turner said.

"We just want to keep things simple, practice what we preach and what we do at training, listen to [our coach] Blake and put our best effort forward and hopefully we can maintain that streak," Turner said. 

The Blues are currently sitting in third position, and a win would see them maintain that place on the ladder. 

UC were unable to play last round because of wet weather, so will be fresh and ready to go heading into this weekend's game.

The Stars are in fifth place on the ladder with two wins, just two points behind the Bushrangers in fourth place. A win over the Blues could close that gap and put the Stars in a good position on the ladder heading into the second half of the season.  

Boomanulla Raiders v Tuggeranong Bushrangers, 12:30pm Saturday 26 June at Boomanulla Oval

The Boomanulla Raiders host the Tuggeranong Bushrangers this weekend, with the Bushrangers looking to keep their spot in the top four. 

After three straight wins, Tuggeranong narrowly lost to the second-placed Goulburn City Bulldogs last Saturday. 

The Bulldogs lead 12-0 at the half-time break, before the Bushrangers staged a second-half comeback. Fullback Felicity Bell and Elissa Blowes both scored tries, but Blowes was only able to convert one of the goals, leaving the score at 12-10. 

Tuggeranong five-eighth Grace Faapoi picked up two Best and Fairest points in the match. 

Boomanulla are still seeking their first win of the season, with the week off giving the side some extra time to work on certain parts of their game. 

Their closest match so far came in round six, going down 14-4 to the UC Stars. The Raiders will need to be solid defensively to stop a strong attacking side in the Bushrangers this weekend. 

The two sides last met in round three, with the Bushrangers proving too strong for the Raiders on that occasion, winning 36-4. 

Harden Worhawks v Goulburn City Bulldogs, 5pm Saturday 26 June at McLean Oval

The Harden Worhawks and Goulburn City Bulldogs will do battle at McLean Oval in Harden this Saturday. 

Goulburn recorded a two-point victory last round, with their defence holding out a strong Tuggeranong side. 

Fullback Krystal Blackwell was awarded Player of the Match for her performance, notching up three Best and Fairest points. 

Elly Hazelton shifted into the halves for the game, providing another attacking option and giving her more control of the team. 

Her halves partner Lauren Kelly remains the top point-scorer in the competition, with 46 points. 

Harden were unable to play their match against the UC Stars last week due to wet weather. They are sitting on one win so far this season, so will want to start gaining some momentum heading into the second half of the season.  

Photo by Trisha Sullivan