Canberra Raiders Cup Round 6 Wrap Up

[Archie]

Canberra Raiders Cup Round 6 Wrap Up



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Canberra Raiders Cup Round 6 Wrap Up

Queanbeyan Kangaroos 46 defeated Yass Magpies 20 at Freebody Oval

The Queanbeyan Kangaroos portrayed their dominance to the rest of the competition with a 26 point win over the Yass Magpies at Freebody Oval on Saturday, in what was a top of the table clash.

Yass started the game strongly and had the upper hand for the initial 25 minutes of the encounter, leading 10-0, before the Roos came back towards the end of the first stanza.

The match was still in the balance at half-time, with the Roos leading 18-16, before the home side’s sheer class prevailed and the score blew out.

Both teams went into the match undefeated and whilst Yass took control of the match early on, it was the introduction of interchange forward Matt James that provided Queanbeyan with the impetus for victory.

James, a former Canberra Raiders junior, scored two tries within three minutes to take the wind out of Yass’ sails. James also scored a try within the closing stages of the match to finish with three tries for the match.

James’ second try was particularly devastating and showcased his raw, destructive ability. James took the ball from inside his own half and burst straight through the teeth of the Magpies defence and charged 70 metres to score.

After playing in a trial match for the Raiders in 2010, James nearly gave the game away for good after a wretched run of injuries and personal tragedies.

He broke his leg playing for the Gungahlin Bulls, has had a back operation to replace a bulging disk and two years ago lost two of his closest cousins in a car crash in Wagga Wagga.

“In the last three years I’ve only played a handful of games,” the 25 year old said. “It’s been a big recovery, but I’m glad to be playing footy again.”

So too is Roos Captain-Coach Aaron Gorrell, who believes that the 110kg former centre can be a vital strike weapon off the bench as the club strives to go back-to-back.

“Our defence was pretty good in the first half. They threw everything they had at us and we toughed it out,” Gorrell said.

“They were tough. We had to work hard for the win but we’re still nowhere near where we want to be. We’ve come through a pretty tough side of the draw and we’ve just got to keep building.”

Yass have surprised many pundits with their fabulous start to the year and certainly troubled the Roos with their skill and toughness, particularly through winger Junior Vatikani who finished with a double.

Alas, the loss revealed the improvements needed in their game if they are going to contend for this year’s premiership and Coach Mark Bell believes it’s a timely wakeup call for his side.

“Let’s face it, not a lot of teams are going to come here to Freebody Oval and win,” Bell said. “They’re the toughest the toughest side we’ve played and it’s only going to get tougher.”

Gungahlin Bulls 20 defeated Tuggeranong Bushrangers 18 at West Belconnen Leagues Club

The boot of Raiders Toyota Cup representative Jordan Worboys got the Gungahlin Bulls home against the Tuggeranong Bushrangers for the Bulls second win of the year.

In a thoroughly hard fought affair, both sides registered three tries, however it was Worboys’ two goals that enabled the Bulls to win the contest.

Gungahlin Captain-Coach John Ayres, who scored a try in the encounter, has been thoroughly impressed with Worboys’ overall game and believes he is playing with experience beyond his years.

Queanbeyan Blues 36 defeated Woden Valleys 22 at Seiffert Oval

The Queanbeyan Blues have climbed to third place on the ladder after their impressive 36-22 victory over the Woden Valley Rams.

Blues half-back Ben Nichol continued his good start to the year with a personal haul of 14 points through one try and five goals in the 7-tries-to-4 victory.

Goulburn Workers Bulldogs 60 West Belconnen Warriors 0 at Goulburn Workers Arena

Goulburn Workers Bulldogs registered their first victory for the year in scintillating fashion on Sunday, disposing of the West Belconnen Warriors 60 points to 0.

Winger Tim Turner starred for the home side, scoring four of the thirteen tries. The score sheet could have read much worse for the Warriors had the Bulldogs converted more tries with Williams only converting 4 goals from 13 attempts.

Goulburn Captain-Coach James Aubusson revealed after the match that the team dedicated the victory to outstanding clubman Richie Mason, who was in the crowd despite his mother Bev losing her battle with Huntington's disease the night before.

''His mum dying was something that was in the hearts of all the boys,'' Aubusson said. ''I think it certainly helped us knowing that. Despite what he's going through, he was still at the game watching us. Sometimes footy's more than a game.”

''Every now and then it shows you that, and his love for footy showed today. Him being there was enough for everyone else, it gave us all a bit of a rain check.''

Source: Raiders