The Uni-Norths Owls 1st Grade side put on a gutsy performance but couldn’t claw back the Gungahlin Eagles, falling 22–17 in a bruising Round 2 John I Dent Cup encounter at North Oval.

 

The match began with the Eagles seizing early momentum, crossing for two quick tries through winger Bradley Henderson and flanker Jeb Smith. Flyhalf Rory Scott added two conversions and slotted a penalty goal to help the visitors build a lead.

 

Despite the scoreboard pressure, the Owls remained composed and struck back through winger Kealii Leuluai, who finished off a sharp backline movement for their opening try. Samuel Toa’s conversion attempt sailed wide, leaving the Owls trailing.

 

The physical toll of the contest was evident early, with Dylan Challita forced off through injury midway through the first half. Joshua Friend entered the fray to help stabilise the forward pack.

 

Momentum shifted again in the second half, with the Owls tightening up their breakdown work and phase play. However, a yellow card to lock Cadeyrn Neville for an intentional infringement left the hosts temporarily a man down, halting their comeback.

 

Neville made amends soon after his return, crashing over for a powerful try. Toa’s conversion missed again, but the Owls were back within striking distance.

 

With time running out, the Owls struck again — this time through hooker Jasper Simmons who dotted down. Toa nailed the conversion, bringing the match to within a single score.

Despite late surges from both sides, the Eagles held firm, and the match ended 22–17 in favour of the visitors.

The coaching staff praised the resilience and physicality shown by the Owls, who will look to build on the second-half improvements heading into Round 3.

 

 

 

Tries

Owls

• Jasper Simmons

• Cadeyrn Neville

• Kealii Leuluai

Eagles

• Bradley Henderson

• Jeb Smith

• Bradley Henderson

 

Points

Owls

• Samuel Toa – 1 conversion

Eagles

• Rory Scott – 2 conversions

• Rory Scott – 1 penalty goal

 

Uni-Norths Owls Team

1. Vaotangi Mafi

2. Jasper Simmons

3. Te Huia Kutia

4. Tobias Macpherson

5. Cadeyrn Neville

6. Joshua Reis

7. Dylan Challita

8. Miller Tauiliili-Pelesasa

9. Ben Roberton

10. Samuel Toa

11. Kealii Leuluai

12. Liae Tuilagi

13. Ignacio Bonsembiante

14. Siave Seti

15. Jordan Thompson

Substitutes:
17. Zeb Maddinson
19. Joshua Friend
22. Charlie Crozier
23. Issy Vaili

 

Gungahlin Eagles Team

1. Oscar Cunningham

2. Name Withheld

3. Drew Brndusic

4. Alec Corcoran

5. Bradley Henderson

6. Lachlan O’Malley

7. Jeb Smith

8. Deveraux Tapelu

9. Lachy Smith

10. Sam McLachlan

11. Litani Pakalani

12. Clay Uyen

13. Iosefo Tui Namoce

14. Rory Scott

15. Samuel Pack

Substitutes:
17. Isireli Narawa
18. Folauahola i Makefu Tongia
19. Nicholas Barton
20. Nicholas Ashmore
21. Toby Perrin
22. Thomas Scott
23. Malietoa Hingano
24. Darcey Bush