Match Report: Owls 1st Grade Outmuscle Eagles in Convincing Round 13 Win
Uni-Norths Owls 38 def. Gungahlin Eagles 12
The Uni-Norths Owls have claimed an impressive 38–12 win over the Gungahlin Eagles in Round 13 of the John I Dent Cup, notching another important victory on the road to finals.
After a physical opening exchange, it was winger Patrick Callaughan who got the Owls on the scoreboard, crossing in the 10th minute. Moments later, hooker Christopher Mickelson added to the tally, with both tries converted by flyhalf Samuel Toa to give the visitors early momentum.
Despite a yellow card to lock Billy Hansen late in the first half for an intentional infringement, the Owls maintained control and composure. Their defence held firm, and the team carried a lead into the break.
The second half belonged to the Owls. Outside back Issy Vaili crossed in the 48th minute to extend the lead, before captain, Samuel Mickelson, barged over in the 54th to put the match firmly in Owls’ hands. Toa added the extras to stretch the advantage.
As the clock wound down, the Owls bench continued to inject impact. Tighthead prop, Vaotangi Mafi, powered over in the 77th minute, with Jordan Thompson converting. And just a minute later, Christopher Mickelson sealed the result with his second try of the day.
Gungahlin registered two tries through Liki Chan-Tung and Malietoa Hingano, but were otherwise outmuscled by a resolute and clinical Owls outfit.
It was a confident and composed performance from the Owls, who kept their discipline, executed their systems, and showed depth across the park. The result cements their place in the top tier of the competition, with just two regular season rounds remaining.
Points Summary
Uni-Norths Owls 38
Tries: Patrick Callaughan, Christopher Mickelson (2), Issy Vaili, Samuel Mickelson, Vaotangi Mafi
Conversions: Samuel Toa 3/5, Jordan Thompson 1/2
Gungahlin Eagles 12
Tries: Liki Chan-Tung, Malietoa Hingano
Conversion: Sam Chapman
Team Lists
Uni-Norths Owls 1st Grade
- Zeb Maddinson
- Christopher Mickelson
- Vaotangi Mafi
- Billy Hansen
- Samuel Mickelson
- Molia Feleleai
- Dylan Challita
- Jimmy Plowman
- Zion Going
- Samuel Toa
- Patrick Callaughan
- Ignacio Bonsembiante
- Liae Tuilagi
- Issy Vaili
- Jordan Thompson
Reserves:
16. Will Hodge
17. Andrew Whittle
18. Siave Seti
19. Joshua Friend
20. Ethan O’Keeffe
21. Ben Roberton
22. Jasper Simmons
23. Callum Frawley Richardson
Gungahlin Eagles 1st Grade
- Folauahola i Makefu Tongia
- Liki Chan-Tung
- Drew Brndusic
- Alec Corcoran
- Lachlan O’Malley
- Bradley Henderson
- Darcey Bush
- Deveraux Tapelu
- Matthew Clifton
- Sam Chapman
- Litani Pakalani
- Malietoa Hingano
- Iosefo Namoce
- Samuel Pack
- Sam McLachlan
Reserves:
16. Isireli Narawa
17. Nicholas Barton
20. Nicholas Ashmore
21. Oliver Fox
22. Thomas Scott
23. Henry Goodwin
