Uni-Norths Owls secured a nail-biting 28-26 victory over Canberra Royals at Phillip Oval in the final round of the season, vaulting themselves into second place on the ladder behind Royals ahead of their looming Qualification Semi-Final clash next Saturday. The win also secured the coveted Bob Hitchcock Territory Shield for the Owls, a fitting reward for their resilience throughout the campaign.

The match got underway with Owls striking early, as Jordan Thompson crossed the line in the 7th minute, with Samuel Toa converting to put the visitors ahead. Royals fought back strongly with Liam Bowron’s try in the 23rd minute, followed by Daniel Nelson’s try at the 29th minute, all converted by Chace Oates, swinging momentum their way.

Owls responded quickly when Jimmy Plowman, celebrating his 50th club game milestone, powered over in the 27th minute, with Toa adding the conversion to keep the scoreboard close. Royals added to their tally with another try from Daniel Nelson in the 39th minute, converted by Oates heading into half time.

Early in the second half, Lincoln Smith crossed for Royals in the 48th minute, pushing their lead further. The Owls made a number of key tactical substitutions, bringing on Zeb Maddinson, Dylan Challita and Joshua Reis off the bench to inject fresh energy and help turn the tide.

In the 66th minute, Harvey Cordukes crashed over to spark hope for the Owls, with Toa’s conversion narrowing the gap. Then, in a game-changing moment at the 69th minute, Tobias Macpherson intercepted deep in Royals territory and sprinted away for a spectacular long-range try, followed by Toa’s successful conversion putting the Owls in front.

Despite Royals’ late surge and threatening runs out wide in the final minutes, Samuel Toa produced a try-saving tackle that stopped the Royals from crossing the line. That crucial defensive play ultimately secured the win for the Owls, who held on to claim a memorable two-point victory. This win not only propels the Owls into second place but also hands them the Bob Hitchcock Territory Shield, a testament to their grit and determination. The stage is set for a blockbuster Qualification Semi-Final next week as the Owls prepare to take on the Royals once again.

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Points Summary

Tries
Owls: Jordan Thompson 7′, Jimmy Plowman 27′, Harvey Cordukes 66′, Tobias Macpherson 69′
Royals: Liam Bowron 23′, Daniel Nelson 29′, 39′, Lincoln Smith 48′

Conversions
Owls: Samuel Toa 7′, 27′, 66′, 69′
Royals: Chace Oates 23′, 29′, 39′

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Uni-Norths Owls 1st Grade

1. Tauati Chan Tung
2. Boston Morete
3. Rhys Van Nek
4. Harvey Cordukes
5. Samuel Mickelson (C)
6. Tobias Macpherson
7. Jimmy Plowman
8. Miller Tauiliili-Pelesasa
9. Zion Going
10. Samuel Toa
11. Ignacio Bonsembiante
12. Ollie Sapsford
13. Liae Tuilagi
14. Issy Vaili
15. Jordan Thompson

Substitutes
16. Will Hodge
17. Zeb Maddinson
18. Te Huia Kutia
19. Dylan Challita
20. Joshua Reis
21. Polynesia Crichton

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Canberra Royals 1st Grade

1. James Bundy
2. Liam Bowron
3. Samuel Heffernan
4. Spencer Scott
5. Tom Iles
6. Liam Clews
7. Rory Scott
8. Darcy Fogarty
9. Daniel Nelson
10. Chace Oates
11. Viliami Sipa
12. Jarrah McLeod
13. Lincoln Smith
14. Zac Ross
15. Joe Dillon

Substitutes
16. Aiesi Siolo
18. Sione Mau
20. Bailey Bouquiaux
22. Andrew Muirhead
23. Paddy Mcinally