Katrina Fanning Shield Round 14 Preview
Round 14 of the Specsavers Katrina Fanning Shield sees the UC Stars, Yass Magpies and Tuggeranong Bushrangers all host games this weekend.
Yass Magpies v Queanbeyan Blues, 12pm Saturday 7 August at Walker Park, Yass
The Queanbeyan Blues travel to Yass to take on the Magpies in a big battle this Saturday.
The Magpies are coming off an impressive 40 point victory over the Tuggeranong Bushrangers last round as they continue to keep their momentum going heading into the final four rounds of the regular season.
Yass are currently in second position on the ladder, just behind Goulburn on for-and-against, so they'll need to win this game to keep up with the Bulldogs and fight for that home semi-final in a few weeks.
The Magpies have only lost one game all season, and it was against the Queanbeyan Blues side back in round seven. That match saw a great attacking display by the Queanbeyan side, with centre Klaudia Osztrenkovics scoring in the eighth minute.
The Blues went on to win that game 22-6, and they will take a lot of confidence from that clash heading into this weekend.
The Queanbeyan side went down to the Goulburn City Bulldogs last weekend, so will look to bounce back quickly on Saturday.
Defence will be key for the Blues, keeping Yass's attacking weapons contained. Magpies second rower Samara Afele scored a hat-trick last weekend and will be one of the players to watch.
Tuggeranong Bushrangers v Harden Worhawks, 12pm Saturday 7 August at Greenway Oval
The Tuggeranong Bushrangers host the Harden Worhawks this weekend, with both sides desperate for the two points.
Tuggeranong went down to the high-flying Magpies last round, with the Yass side proving too strong for them. They need a win this weekend to ensure they remain in outright fourth spot on the ladder.
Bushrangers five-eighth Ahlivia Ingram has been very dangerous for her side, scoring two tries in her first three games of the season, off the back of a strong forward pack.
The Worhawks recorded their second win of the season last weekend and will want to back that up again against Tuggeranong on Saturday.
Harden recorded a 28-0 victory over Boomanulla, with tries to five different players. The halves pairing of Jaxan Blackhall and Hunter Ings was impressive, with the former awarded three Best and Fairest points for her performance.
Harden and Tuggeranong last met in round six, with the Bushrangers winning 46-0 on that occasion.
UC Stars v Boomanulla Raiders, 12pm Saturday 7 August at Raiders Belconnen
The UC Stars take on the Boomanulla Raiders this weekend, with the UC side seeking their third win of the season.
The Stars will be keen to get back into some footy, after two weeks off due to the washout and a bye.
A Stars win could see them finish the round equal on points with the Tuggeranong Bushrangers.
Boomanulla fell to the Harden Worhawks last round, and are still after their first win of the season. Five-eighth Ashley Carter picked up one Best and Fairest point in round 13.
The Stars and Raiders faced off in round six, in what was a hard-fought and tight affair. UC won the encounter 14-4, so expect another close game this weekend.
