Needing a win and the points to secure a position in the chase for premiership glory, the only thing that stood in the way was a determined Wests outfit.

But in what was a tough grind, Old Canberrans pulled off a gutsy 2-1 win to leapfrog ANU and claim fourth place on the ladder by one point, giving them a berth in next week's finals.

In less than ideal weather, the defence from both teams held up solidly. Early on, Wests went on the attack with strong offence by controlling the ball well and keeping Old Canberrans in their own half.

Both sides, however, failed to capitalise on numerous goal-scoring opportunities in the opening stages of the match.

With less than nine minutes left in the first half, Old Canberrans' defence lapsed to see the red and whites jump out to a 1-0 lead through Wests' Glen Munday. But the lead was short lived as Old Canberrans struck back to level the scores 1-1 just before the half-time siren.

After a competitive first half, Wests coach Steve Carter rallied his troops around the players' dugout and told them to stick to their game plan.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times