GOULBURN Workers Bulldogs have climbed another rung on the Raiders Cup ladder into the number two spot after thrashing Queanbeyan Roos on Sunday afternoon 30 points to four.
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The Bulldogs with 18 points are just ahead of the Roos on the same point score with the difference in the two teams being their for and against game points for the season.
At the top of the ladder just two points in front are the Queanbeyan Blues on 20.
The GWC Bulldogs have been plagued by injury and have a couple of their key players out for the season, however they are hopeful of having Joe Picker, who dislocated his wrist a few weeks ago, back for the final round game on Saturday.
This final round game will be played at the Workers Arena. Last Sunday after the GWC Bulldogs Reserves soundly defeated the Roos 40 to 24, and maintained a spot in the top four, the First Grade game looked like it could have gone either way in the first half.
Both the Bulldogs and Roos had scoring opportunities in the first half but determined defence stopped both sides from reaching the try line, except for one occasion each.
Goulburn was first to score but the kick went astray and Queanbeyan answered back with similar results for their kicker in the gusty conditions.
At halftime the score was just four points each.
The Bulldogs were benefiting from the return of Mick Bani, who was out for a few weeks with a shoulder injury.
In the second half, after captain/ coach Mick Picker had assessed the way play was going and told the Bulldogs what they needed to do to get through the Roos, Goulburn looked like a different team.
They carved through the Roos defence leaving them somewhat shell shocked. Queanbeyan’s coach Aaron Gorrell far from impressed, after they had defeated the defending premiers Queanbeyan Blues 17 to four the previous week.
This Saturday’s First and Reserve grade games are both must win matchups for the Bulldogs. The Reserves must win to be assured of a place in the semifinals, as the for and against points record could hurt them if Woden Rams win and West Belconnen win or the Bulldogs lose to Gungahlin Bulls, who are just out of contention.
In First Grade Goulburn needs to win to maintain its second place on the ladder as the Roos are bound to bounce back this week when they play Woden Valley Rams who are out of contention for a final four spot.
“We are looking forward to Joe Picker returning to the paddock this weekend to further strengthen the First Grade side and provide a little more direction leading into the finals,” GWC Bulldogs president Joe Stephens said.
“The return of Mick Bani certainly had an impact on the team with his four point contribution and bringing the ball up the field.”
The games on Saturday start at Noon for the 18s, who are out of finals contention, 1.20pm for Reserves and 3pm for the First Grade at the Workers Arena.