Canberra Raiders Cup Round 14 Match Report: Belconnen United V Woden

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Belconnen United Scholars (3) 26 defeated Woden Valley Rams (6) 24 at Northbourne Oval

The Belconnen United Scholars have shattered Woden Valley’s dreams of making the semi-finals after defeating the Rams 26-24 at home.

Woden needed to win their two remaining games whilst relying on Tuggeranong and Goulburn to lose theirs to qualify however those hopes are now over after the two point loss on Saturday.

The Rams headed into the match as underdogs although with their season on the line, they gave themselves a big chance of victory.

Woden’s players were left gutted as the full-time siren sounded after they let a 10-0 halftime lead slip.

Josh Burns had a chance to steal victory late in the game alas Woden’s inspirational skipper was cut down just short of the line sentencing the Rams to watch the finals series from the sidelines.

“A couple of years ago I may have got there, these old legs are slowing up now, but we shouldn't have been in that position really,” Burns said.

“We enjoy being the underdogs but when you're up 10-0 and you concede a couple of soft tries, we really threw the game away.”

The victory by the Scholars sees the defending premiers secure third spot on the ladder which in turn guarantees them a home semi-final in the first round of the play-offs.

“This was a very important game for us in terms of shaping our finals campaign,” Hawke said. “This helps us secure third spot on the ladder which gives us a home final in the first round, something that is very valuable.

“We didn’t want to head to Goulburn next week with everything hanging in the balance.”

Whilst Belconnen United Coach John Hawke was relieved to get the win he believes his side must improve their game significantly if they are to challenge for the title in 2013.

“We obviously want to go back-to-back this year and we need to start building our form leading into the finals,” Hawke said.

“It wasn’t the ideal preparation and a good performance next week is probably needed, but we're there at least.”

Source: http://www.raiders.com.au/news-display/raiders/81148