Katrina Fanning Shield Round 12 Preview
Just two matches this weekend in the Specsavers Katrina Fanning Shield, with the Yass Magpies and Queanbeyan Blues both hosting games.
Yass Magpies v UC Stars, 12pm Saturday 24 July at Walker Park, Yass
The UC Stars travel to Walker Park this weekend to take on the top of the table team in the Yass Magpies.
The Magpies have been the benchmark team of the competition, only dropping one game to the Queanbeyan Blues in round seven. They have the best defensive record, having held teams to zero four times so far this season.
Yass were pushed all the way in their last start against Tuggeranong, with the Bushrangers staging a second half comeback. But the Magpies were able to defend well and claimed a 22-16 win.
Shannon Wright moved from her usual back row position into hooker for that game, where she was awarded Player of the Match. It will be interesting to see if she remains there this weekend, with Gabrielle Davis, Victoria Alley, Farah Atallah and Tikirah-ann Douglas all starting at hooker this season.
The UC Stars fought hard but went down to the Tuggeranong Bushrangers last round, with the side suffering a few injuries.
They will want to put in an improved performance this weekend and get back in the winners circle, with their last win back in round six. .
The two teams met in round one, with the Magpies victorious on that occasion 52-0.
Queanbeyan Blues v Tuggeranong Bushrangers, 12pm Saturday 24 July at Seiffert Oval
The Queanbeyan Blues will look to make it five wins in a row when they play the Tuggeranong Bushrangers at Seiffert Oval on Saturday.
The Blues have found plenty of momentum at the right time, with their attack particularly impressive. They have scored a combined 142 points over the last two outings, with Klaudia Osztrenkovics and Alanna Brooks scoring four tries each in their round 11 clash against Harden.
However, Queanbeyan face a tough test this weekend against a dangerous Tuggeranong side.
The Bushrangers are coming off a dominant 30-4 victory over the UC Stars, with Amelia Kiriui awarded three Best and Fairest points for her performance in the game.
Tuggeranong boast a very strong forward pack, with the likes of Kiriui, Nirvana Ngan-Woo, Nirada Phonsaya and Livinia Samoa able to create momentum and space for the outside backs. Ahlivia Ingram joined the team two weeks ago and slotted straight into the halves, already making a big impact on the team.
The two sides met back in round one, with the Blues winning 24-12 on that occasion.
But since then the Bushrangers have found some great form, with a big win last round and pushing the top two teams in Yass and Goulburn all the way in their matches.
