Canberra Raiders Cup 2022: Round 8 Preview
The Blumers Lawyers Canberra Raiders Cup competition continues this weekend, with the Queanbeyan Blues hosting the Yass Magpies in the Match of the Round on Saturday afternoon at Seiffert Oval.
Match of the Round: Queanbeyan Blues v Yass Magpies, Seiffert Oval 3pm Saturday 4th June.
The Blues will be hoping to extend their winning streak when they host the Yass Magpies at Seiffert Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues haven't lost since round three this season and have enjoyed a great run of form, which included a 41-28 win over the Bulldogs last week.
Queanbeyan put the game away early, as they went out to a 16-0 lead after the first 15 minutes and held off a late comeback by the Bulldogs.
Unfortunately, the Yass Magpies currently sit on the bottom of the ladder. However, the Magpies will be confident they can bounce back this weekend as they can take a lot of confidence out of their 26-18 defeat to the Warriors last weekend.
It was a hard fought game as the Magpies refused to give in every time the Warriors extended their lead. It was only a late first half try on the bell that proved to be the difference.
This could be a season defining game for both clubs in this match of the round. A win for the Blues could push them into the top two. Meanwhile, a win for the Magpies will push them up the ladder and out of last position.
West Belconnen Warriors vs Queanbeyan Kangaroos, Raiders Belconnen 3pm Saturday 4th June.
The Warriors will be hoping to keep their undefeated streak alive when they host the Kangaroos at Raiders Belconnen.
The Warriors have had a perfect start to the season as they keep finding ways to win including a hard fought victory over the Magpies in round seven.
The Warriors halves, Bayley Graham and Robert Roberts, have been sensational and have led the Warriors to the best attacking team in the competition.
Meanwhile, the Kangaroos will be looking to make it three wins in a row and make a statement to the rest of the competition.
After not winning a game in the opening five rounds, the Roos have enjoyed back to back wins over the Magpies and the Bulls.
The Kangaroos will see this as a perfect opportunity to be the first team to defeat the Warriors all season and make it three in a row.
Woden Valley Rams v Gungahlin Bulls, Phillip Oval 3pm Sunday 5th June.
The Rams will host the Bulls to kick off Sunday afternoon footy, with a chance to go to the top of the ladder if they can pick up their sixth win of the season.
The Rams currently sit second place on the ladder with five wins and two losses, including a 28-18 win over the Sharks last Saturday.
It was a great first half for the Rams as they went into halftime with a 24-6 lead before the Sharks came back in the second half to only go down by ten points.
Meanwhile, the disappointing season for the Bulls continues as they currently sit tied last on the competition ladder with only the one win on the season.
The Bulls will see this as a chance to cause an upset and start a push to the finals but the Rams will also be hunting for another win to secure the top spot on the ladder.
Goulburn City Bulldogs v Tuggeranong Bushrangers, Workers Arena 3pm Sunday 5th June.
The fifth-placed Bulldogs will host the third-placed Bushrangers on Sunday in a game that could be crucial in deciding the top four.
The Bulldogs will be looking to bounce back after what has been a disappointing month of football. After beginning the season with three straight wins, the Bulldogs are now looking down the barrel of their fourth straight defeat.
The Bushrangers have not tasted defeat since round two this season but did have a 26-all draw with West Belconnen in round six. The Bushrangers will be coming in to this match with the intention of proving that they are true contenders this season.
If the Bulldogs can return to their early season form then they should create enough chances to crack the Bushrangers defence. Either way, it's a game both teams will be desperate to win with a top four spot on the line.
