The ACT Premier Rugby Preliminary Finals delivered thrillers and upsets across six competitions on 22 August, with clubs fighting to punch their tickets to Grand Final day on 29 August.
Canberra Royals were the team of the Round in the BentSpoke John I Dent Cup, producing a dominant 37–21 win over Queanbeyan Whites to set up a Grand Final showdown with Tuggeranong Vikings.
The Tuggeranong Viqueens edged out the Western District Lionesses 24–19 in a tight BentSpoke Premier 15s Preliminary Final, earning the right to face Gungahlin Eagles in the decider.
In the Spence Cup, Uni-North Owls were strong in a 40–31 win over Queanbeyan Whites, setting up a Spence Cup Grand Final against Tuggeranong Vikings.
Gungahlin Eagles were dominant in the ACT Vets Colts Cup, running up 42 points against Uni-North Owls to earn a Grand Final berth against the Vikings.
The Premier Fourth Grade produced the most nerve-wracking finish of the day, with Canberra Royals surviving a one-point scare to defeat Uni-North Owls 18–17 and advance to face the Vikings.
Tuggeranong Vikings also marched into the Premier Third Grade Grand Final with a 38–25 win over Queanbeyan Whites, where they will face Western District Lions.
In a huge achievement for Vikings Rugby, the club will contest all six Grand Finals on 29 August at Viking Park. This is the second time the club has accomplished this feat in the competition’s history.
Preliminary Final
Match Statistics:
Queanbeyan Whites 21 – 37 Canberra Royals
Queanbeyan Whites
- Tries: E. Kruger, J. Saumaisue, N. Frost
- Conversions: N. Carroll (3)
Canberra Royals
- Tries: P. Palemene Tuigamala (2), D. Fogarty, P. Rolando
- Conversions: C. Oates (4)
- Penalty Goals: C. Oates (3)
Canberra Royals advance to the BentSpoke John I Dent Cup Grand Final on 29 August, where they will face Tuggeranong Vikings. Queanbeyan Whites are eliminated.
Preliminary Final
Match Statistics:
Tuggeranong Viqueens 24 – 19 Western District Lionesses
Tuggeranong Viqueens
- Tries: M. Mataupu (2), I. Tripet, P. Going
- Conversions: S. Edwards (2)
Western District Lionesses
- Tries: J. Morrison, A. Booker, E. Wright
- Conversions: F. Luafitu (2)
Tuggeranong Viqueens advance to the BentSpoke Premier 15s Grand Final on 29 August, where they will face Gungahlin Eagles. Western District Lionesses are eliminated.
Preliminary Final
Match Statistics:
Queanbeyan Whites 31 – 40 Uni-North Owls
Queanbeyan Whites
- Tries: M. Douch, A. McFarlane, L. Stanley, L. Smith, F. Dunne
- Conversions: K. Billiards (3)
Uni-North Owls
- Tries: J. Gardner, Z. Hoskin, V. Mafi, F. Burrows, S. Seti, R. Parsons
- Conversions: C. Crozier (5)
Uni-North Owls advance to the Spence Cup Grand Final on 29 August, where they will face Tuggeranong Vikings. Queanbeyan Whites are eliminated.
Preliminary Final
Match Statistics:
Gungahlin Eagles 42 – 20 Uni-North Owls
Gungahlin Eagles
- Tries: J. Sega, B. Pumpa, L. Alofipo, Z. Greenwood, I. Foster, D. Jarrett
- Conversions: A. Tregonning (5), W. Thomson
Uni-North Owls
- Tries: P. Shepherd, T. Byrne, A. Gardner
- Conversions: A. Gardner
- Penalty Goals: A. Gardner
Gungahlin Eagles advance to the ACT Vets Colts Cup Grand Final on 29 August, where they will face Tuggeranong Vikings. Uni-North Owls are eliminated.
Preliminary Final
Match Statistics:
Queanbeyan Whites 25 – 38 Tuggeranong Vikings
Queanbeyan Whites
- Tries: J. Negus, R. Forbes, H. Velnaar, E. Nelson
- Conversions: T. Mcguinness
- Penalty Goals: T. Mcguinness
Tuggeranong Vikings
- Tries: M. Ravouvou (2), J. Sikimeti, J. Mututu, D. Uilelea
- Conversions: B. Taueki (5)
- Penalty Goals: B. Taueki
Tuggeranong Vikings advance to the Premier Third Grade Grand Final on 29 August, where they will face Western District Lions. Queanbeyan Whites are eliminated.
Preliminary Final
Match Statistics:
Canberra Royals 18 – 17 Uni-North Owls
Canberra Royals
- Tries: J. Read, R. Singh, M. Cole
- Penalty Goals: R. Butterfield
Uni-North Owls
- Tries: A. Hemsworth, W. Cattle, A. Rixon
- Conversions: S. Burns
Canberra Royals advance to the Premier Fourth Grade Grand Final on 29 August, where they will face Tuggeranong Vikings. Uni-North Owls are eliminated.
