Queanbeyan Kangaroos defeat Goulburn Bulldogs 18-14

The sixth-ranked Kangaroos took on the second-ranked Goulburn Bulldogs at home on Saturday afternoon, in a match which many expected to fall the way of the visitors.

However, in a typical display of never-say-die scrappiness, the Kangaroos quickly made it clear that they would not roll over, recording an 18-14 win.

The match was highly physical, somewhat contentious, and desperately fought from both sides.

To take out the win, in a contest which could easily have gone the other way had the Kangaroos cracked even slightly under the pressure, pleased head coach Aaron Gorrell to no end.

"Apart from the round one game against Goulburn, the only games we've lost have been by two points," Gorrell said.

"We've been thereabouts and probably unlucky and unprofessional in how we finish games and close games out.

"Our effort's always been there, but our execution has let us down. It was really pleasing today, just how they kept turning up."

At different points in the game, it looked as though either team had secured the result. Queanbeyan got off to an early lead, but Goulburn quickly responded with two tries of its own to take the score to 6-10 at half time.

At the break, the tide changed. Goulburn sat out two key players due to injury, and the Kangaroos took advantage of the visitors' weakened lineup.

The win was a milestone for the young side, who have so far this season struggled to live up to the ample talent promised on the team sheet.

"We're a pretty young squad," Gorrell said.

"Execution and brain snaps have let us down throughout the year. It's pleasing for them to get a result against one of the top two teams, and hopefully we can build our season off that."

Following the win, only four points separate Tuggeranong in first and the Kangaroos in sixth on the ladder.

This Saturday, June 29, the Kangaroos will take on the Yass Magpies at Walker Park from 3pm.