Canberra Raiders Cup: Preliminary Finals Wrap

The 2024 Grand Finalists are locked in across all five grades in the Canberra Raiders Cup & Katrina Fanning Shield, following Sunday's exciting preliminary finals. 

Canberra Raiders Cup First Grade 

Queanbeyan Blues 20 defeat Woden Valley Rams 14

The Queanbeyan Blues claimed a narrow six point victory over the Woden Valley Rams cementing their place in the 2024 Grand Final.

Both side’s efforts were showcased in the first half with a 10-all scoreline at halftime.

McIntyre Medallist Dylan McLachlan scored his side's first points after the break aided by a Jack Anderson line break.

Jack Anderson followed his try assist with a try of his own, off the back of a barnstorming run by Atu Tupou to extend their lead to 20-10.

Tupou was sent to the sin bin deep into the second half, opening the door for Woden.

The Rams weren't finished, as Koko Salim used his speed to score a late try, which turned out to be their final points of the game, as they ultimately fell short. 

The Blues will now prepare for a Grand Final rivalry clash against the Queanbeyan Kangaroos at Seiffert Oval this Sunday afternoon.

Canberra Raiders Cup Reserve Grade 

Gungahlin Bulls 28 defeat West Belconnen Warriors 26 

The Gungahlin Bulls secured a nail-biting 28-26 win in the final minutes against the West Belconnen Warriors.

Reserve Grade's leading try scorer Kane Allan made his impact by scoring a double in the knockout final, aiding his team's crucial victory.

Meanwhile, Warriors hooker Tim Thorley showcased his determination by crossing for a hat-trick, though his efforts weren't enough to secure the win.

With seven minutes on the clock, a penalty goal converted by Travis Vawdon secured his side a spot in the 2024 Grand Final.

The Gungahlin Bulls will look to go back to back in Sunday’s Grand Final Clash against the Woden Valley Rams at Seiffert Oval. 

Katrina Fanning Shield 

Gungahlin Bulls 32 defeat Queanbeyan Blues 16 

The Gungahlin Bulls came away with a 32-16 second half demolition victory over the Queanbeyan Blues on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues came out of the blocks firing with a 16-0 halftime lead. 

In the second half, the Bulls caught fire, scoring 32 unanswered points and cementing their spot in the 2024 Grand Final.

Gungahlin's forwards were key in this matchup, as their pack scored five of their six tries, including a double from Loretta Mailangi.

Ahead of this weekend, Gungahlin prepare for an anticipated clash against the Yass Magpies at Seiffert Oval.

Canberra Raiders Cup U19’s

Woden Valley Rams 32 defeat Queanbeyan Blues 22

The Woden Valley Rams claimed a well deserved 32-22 victory over the Queanbeyan Blues on Sunday afternoon.

Blues five-eighth Blake Hovi guided his side to a tight 22-20 halftime lead, scoring a try and kicking three goals, in what was a back-and-forth first half. 

Woden came out with a purpose in the second, scoring four tries to Queanbeyan's one, including a hat-trick from winger Jayden Norgrove. 

Norgorve ran away with a spectacular individual try in the dying stages, with his performance being pivotal to securing Woden's spot in the 2024 Grand Final. 

The Rams will also look to go back-to-back in preparation for a Grand Final clash against the Goulburn City Bulldogs on Sunday morning.

Canberra Raiders Cup League Tag 

Gungahlin Bulls 20 defeat West Belconnen Warriors 6

The Gungahlin Bulls flew away with a 20-6 win over the West Belconnen Warriors on Sunday morning.

Gungahlin have bounced back following their heart breaking major semi final loss to Woden last week, where the Rams scored at the death to steal victory and a spot in the Grand Final. 

The Bulls defence tightened up to hold West Belconnen to one try, setting up their claim for revenge against the Rams this weekend.

Last year’s grand finalists will face off again in 2024, setting the tone for Sunday’s Canberra Raiders Cup Grand Final day at Seiffert Oval.