Queanbeyan Whites defeated by Canberra Royals

However, the round was important for more reasons than one, as the first grade clash was fought for the Jack McGuire Cup. 

John "Jack" McGuire was a stalwart of the Royals' and the Whites' teams of the late 1970s and early 1980s, and he featured in premiership lineups for both sides. 

According to a Facebook post written by Queanbeyan Whites life member Phill Hawke, McGuire was the 21^st player to reach the 100 game milestone for Queanbeyan, and was the club's highest scorer in 1980, 1981, and 1982. 

In 1979, he was voted the club's most consistent player, while in 1980 he was recognised as the first grade side's Best and Fairest. 

Saturday's first grade clash was played in McGuire's memory, as he passed away in January after battling cancer.

"A prolific goal kicker and a memorable character he will be remembered by the Whites, Royals and his last club, Norths," Hawke said in his tribute.

The inscription on the cup praises McGuire's accomplishments and recalls: "In 2017 Jack attended the 40th year reunion of the 1977 premiership team and was delighted to catch up with his old rugby colleagues and thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.

"He will be greatly missed by his many friends inside and outside the rugby community."

2019 marked the first year that the teams will play for the Jack McGuire Cup, and the first match played in McGuire's honour was a thriller. 

The Whites went down 21-10, but coach Paul Dylan said that it was a strong effort from a young side. 

"I was pretty happy with how we played," he said. 

"At 16-10 for most of the second half, it was there for the taking ... we probably had eight lineouts lost, probably five of them in their quarter. 

"We were down there, and the lineouts let us down." 

This Saturday, the Queanbeyan Whites will take on the Uni-Norths Owls at Campese Field from 12.15pm. Dylan encouraged the club's fans to come down and show their support.