ACT Rugby Finals Day Two: Live Coverage
As ACT Rugby and the John I Dent Cup brace for their Elimination Finals matches at Viking Park, live coverage of the matches will be provided throughout the duration of each match.
Finals matches are available to watch LIVE on Bar TV here.
Game Day Schedule: Qualification Finals - Sunday the 18th of August
Field 1
11:00AM AEST - Premier Colts (Canberra Royals v Wests Lions)1:10PM AEST - Spence Cup (Canberra Royals v Tuggeranong Vikings)3:30PM AEST - John I Dent Cup (Wests Lions v Gungahlin Eagles)Field 2
9:30AM AEST - First Division Second Grade (Gungahlin Eagles v Tuggeranong Vikings)11:40PM AEST - First Division First Grade (Canberra Royals v Tuggeranong Vikings)1:50PM AEST - Premier 15's (Uni-Norths Owls v Canberra Royals)Match 1: First Division Second Grade (Gungahlin Eagles v Tuggeranong Vikings)
Gungahlin Eagles kicked started Day 2 of Week 1 Finals with a come-from-behind 29-26 win over the Tuggeranong Eagles at Viking Park on Sunday morning to advance to Week 2 of the ACT Rugby Finals.
The Tuggeranong Vikings were the first side to strike after their forward pack punched through the midfield. Zachery Lewis proving too strong give the Vikings an early 7-0 lead.
The Eagles would hit back after a few half breaks through the Tuggeranong defence. Duncan Fallon scoring close to the posts for Nicholas Ashmore to tie the match at 7-7.
However the Vikings hit back almost immediately when their forward pack continued to trouble the Eagles defence up the middle. Liam Stone-Heart diving over to push the lead back out to 7.
Both sides pushed the boundaries as the match started heat up with players show yellow. Tuggeranong taking advantage of field position for Riley Minogue to burrow his way over for another converted try just before halftime.
Gungahlin responded in the second half, kicking long to build some pressure. They were rewarded with the lineout and proceeded with a try to lock Nicholas Hutchison in the left corner. Ashmore converting from out wide to be in reach at 21-14.
Though the Eagles found themselves in a spot of bother when they lost a player to foul play for the remainder of the match.
Despite being a man down, the Eagles persevered, Captain Sean Kearns muscling his way over for an unconverted try to bring the score to 21-19.
The Eagles were given a penalty from 40m moments later. Gungahlin opting for the posts where Ashmore obliged to steal an unlikely 22-21 lead.
Tuggeranong wrestled back the lead when Vice-Captain Kieran May scored to set up a grand stand finish.
Though it was the Eagles who would have the last say, stealing the win for a place in next week's Preliminary Final with a try to Wilfrey Baekalia under the posts. Ashmore sealing the win with the conversion during the siren as the Eagles ran out 29-26 victors at Viking Park on Sunday morning.
Gungahlin Eagles 29 (Tries: Duncan Fallon, Nicholas Hutchison, Sean Kearns, Wilfrey Baekalia; Conversions: Nicholas Ashmore 3; Penalties: Nicholas Ashmore) def. Tuggeranong Vikings 26 (Tries: Zachary Lewis, Liam Stone-Heat, Riley Minogue, Kieran May; Conversions: Nathan Hutchinson 3) lead
Match 2: Premier Colts (Canberra Royals v Wests Lions)
Field 1's action will commence at 11:00am with the Colts elimination final as Wests get their first taste of Premier grade finals footy n the main field at Viking Park.
Royals would strike early near the left corner as hooker Tom Hedley took the early stages of the game int his own hands as he would cross the line just five minutes in.
Just two minutes later the Royals would put on some scoreboard pressure of their own though a penalty goal to Mike Taauao.
Royals would not be deterred however as they would score on the left sideline through James Hennecke showing some speed to blitz past the Wests defensive line. Before the halftime siren they would cross on one more occasion with Hennecke picking up a double.
Wests would come out in the second half determined to put Royals into a grind; which they did. A culmination of tough efforts would eventually lead to Wests first try through skipper Aaron Karotam.
The late effort would not be enough however as Royals would narrowly hold onto their lead until the conclusion of the match as the blue baggers added on a penalty goal at the death.
Canberra Royals 20 (Tries: Tom Hedley, James Hennecke 2; Conversions: Will Casey; Penalty Goal) lead Wests Lions 8 (Tries: Aaron Karotam; Penalty Goals: Mike Taauao)
Match 3: First Division First Grade (Canberra Royals v Tuggeranong Vikings)
The Canberra Royals will play for a spot in the First Division 1st Grade Grand Final after taking down the Tuggeranong Vikings 28-18 at Viking Park on Sunday afternoon.
First half tries to Tino Lalofau and Cooper Wright from the Vikings and the Royal's Robert Magee had both sides on par for the duration of the first half. Before a Thomas Lachlan penalty for the Vikings had them in front at halftime.
The Royals got on a roll to restart the half. Had had the Vikings defence camped on their own try-line before Eddie Easton split through a hole to dive over and steal a 15-14 lead.
And within minutes the Royals were in again thanks to another 5-pointer to Liam Vecchi to stretch the lead to 20-13.
The Vikings pulled one back to set themselves up for a nail biting Matt Jolley spotted an overlap to score toward the right corner.
Though it was the Royals who would have the final say, booking a spot in next week's Elimination Final with a try to Tom MacGregor crashing over for a 25-18 lead with minutes remaining in the match.
Scrum half Josh Barber closing out the match with a penalty from in front with the Royals running out 28-18 victors ain Wanniassa.
Canberra Royals 28 (Tries: Robert Magee, Eddie Easton, Liam Vecchi, Tom MacGregor; Conversions: Josh Barber; Penalties: Josh Barber) def. Tuggeranong Vikings 18 (Tries: Tino Lalofau, Cooper Wright, Matt Jolley; Penalties: Thomas Lachlan)
Match 4: Spence Cup (Canberra Royals v Tuggeranong Vikings)
The Vikings would get out to a strong 19-0 lead after just 25 minutes in the opening half, forcing Royals into an uphill battle.
The Royals managed to camp down the Vikings end with plenty of possession but were unable to convert the opportunity into points.
With plenty of attacking spark all across the field the Vikings, used their troops to the fullest extent, even managing an impressive long range five-pointer through flyhalf Josiah Lealiifano.
After a temporary halt in the scoring Tuggeranong halfback Seamus Smith would make the most of a dominant scrum and stroll the remaining distance. to score under the posts, beating multiple defenders on the way.
Coming out firing in the second half, Tuggeranong's Rhys Griffiths would score just five minutes in, extending his sides lead to 31-0.
With 16 minutes remaining in the match, a dominant maul from Tuggeranong would roll the Royals back into their in-goal, creating space for Leiper to pounce and secure his try double.
The onslaught from the Vikings continued until the death of the match as the side never let off the gas, emphasised by an additional try to Maika Ravouvou wth less than ten minutes remaining.
Tuggeranong Vikings 43 (Tries: Joel Leiper 2, Maleli Gadai, Josiah Lealiifano, Seamus Smith, Rhys Griffiths, Maika Ravouvou; Conversions: Isaac Thompson 4) lead Canberra Royals 0
Match 5: Premier 15's (Uni-Norths Owls v Canberra Royals)
Uni-Norths Owls have booked a spot in next week's Elimination Final against the Gungahlin Eagles after defeating the Canberra Royals 30-21 at Viking Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Owls opened the match with some powerful running up front. They were rewarded immediately for their hard work with Wallaroo's backrower Lydia Kavoa crashing over. Faitala Moleka adding the extras for an early 7-0 lead after 5 minutes.
Uni-Norths continued to flex their muscle through the forward pack, this time prop Iris Verebalavu bursting through from close range with the scoreboard ticking to 12-0.
The Royals built some momentum midway through the first half dominating possession and territory.
Though the Owls would tighten up around the ruck area with Moleka kicking two penaties in quick succession. Uni-Norths skipping out to a 18-0 lead at the halftime break.
Uni-Norths started where they left off to start the second half. Amelia Quinn scoring out wide after her side's constant pressure on the Royals try line.
Canberra responded with some strong carries of their own. And there persistence paid off when fly-half Janiana Ravu scored under the posts. Ashlea Bishop converting the try to take the score to 23-7.
Moleka split open the Royal's defence, linking up with Wallabies and Brumbies hooker Tania Naden to dot down. Moleka making no mistake with the conversion.
The Royals would answer immediately with two quick tries to Niki Paterson and Renee Didier for Canberra to shorten the deficit to 30-21.
Though it was too little too late with Uni-Norths running out 30-21 winners in the second Premier 15s Final of the weekend at Viking Park.
Uni-Norths Owls 30 (Tries: Lydia Kavoa, Iris Verebalavu, Tania Naden; Conversions: Faitala Moleka 2; Penalties: Faitala Moleka 2) def. Canberra Royals 21 (Tries: Taniana Ravu, Niki Paterson; Conversions: Ashlea Bishop 2)
Match 6: John I Dent Cup (Wests Lions v Gungahlin Eagles)
The Wests Lions have managed to emerge 41-34 victors in their Elimination final against the Gungahlin Eagles despite having to chase a 10 point deficit with 15 minutes remaining.
The Wests Lions would find points first in the matchup after surviving a Gungahlin siege in their own end and finally being able to make their way up to the other end of Viking Park. A rolling maul translated into points for Wests after their forwards paved the way for a Ioelu Pisu try.
Not long after Gungahliin would launch a successful counterattack as they would pin themselves at the Wests end of the field from kickoff and would eventually cross the line though front rower Folauahola i Makefu Tongia. With both sides converting their tries through Declan Meredith and Jack Hardy respectively, the scoreline was locked at 7-7.
With 20 minutes remaining in the opening half, Wests would double up on Pisu rolling maul tries as an identical effort proved fruitful extending their lead to 12-7.
After managing to camp themselves in Wests territory, preventing multiple exit attempts Gungahlin would eventually cross again as Tongia found himself one on one with Tomasi Bikaca and came off best finding a second try for his efforts.
Taking back their scoreboard lead Wests managed to make another set piece effort worthwhile finding points through a Pisu hat trick. Converted by Meredith Wests would find a narrow 19-12 lead.
Refusing to go into the break at a deficit Gungahlin would head straight back into the Wests red zone and find one more five pointer as it seemed the first half was the front rows time to shine, with Tongia picking up a hat trick of his own. Converted by Hardy the sides would be even heading into the sheds at 19 all.
Opening the second half, Gungahlin would get a scrum opportunity in Wests half which allowed Klayton Thorn to deceitfully wrap around the pack and distribute the ball to winger Hardy. Despite having plenty of work to do, Hardy cruised the rest of the way to the try-line, beating multiple defenders on the way.
Both sides would then trade five-pointers in quick succession as Gungahlin prop Ma'ake Muti would cross but in an exchange with Pisu picking up his fourth score. With Gungahlin adding a to their tally with a penalty goal to Clay Uyen also taking the Eagles lead to 34-24.
With 15 minutes remaining Pisu would push his way through with yet another dominant Wests rolling maul as the Lions hooker miraculously found his fifth try of the match, keeping his side in the chase at 31-34 after a successful conversion.
Staring down the barrel of elimination from the competition Wests would produce another rolling maul try with five minutes remaining this time with number eight Moeaki Toma proving too. strong close to the line as he regained the lead for Wests. Converted by Meredith Wests managed to hold on to a 34-38 lead, added to with a penalty goal as a safety net by Meredith, Wests moved on to the John I Dent Cup Preliminary final.
Wests Lions 41 (Tries: Ioelu Pisu 5, Moeaki Toma; Conversions: Declan Meredith 3; Penalty Goal: Declan Meredith) def. Gungahlin Eagles 34 (Folauahola i Makefu Tongia 3, Jack Hardy, Ma'ake Muti; Conversions: Jack Hardy, Clay Uyen; Penalty Goals: Clay Uyen)
