The Uni-Norths Owls produced a fast-starting, composed and clinical performance to defeat the Queanbeyan Whites 50–29 at Campese Field on Saturday afternoon, securing the Paddy Matthews Cup in Round 12 of the John I Dent Cup.

Honouring one of ACT rugby’s great figures, the match once again celebrated the memory of Pat “Paddy” Matthews — a beloved servant of the game with deep connections to both clubs. Introduced in 2010, the annual Cup match has become a highlight of the local rugby calendar, known for fierce competition and deep mutual respect.

From the opening whistle, it was clear the Owls had come to play. They struck inside the first five minutes when Jimmy Plowman powered over for the opener. Just four minutes later, Vaotangi Mafi added a second, with Samuel Toa converting for a 12–0 lead. The blistering start continued when Charlie Crozier crossed in the 10th minute, giving the visitors an early 17–0 buffer.

The Whites responded with their first try through Ewald Kruger in the 21st minute, but a missed conversion kept the Owls comfortably ahead. A try to Blake Miller followed in the 25th, and with the conversion slotted by Cullin Cooper-Jones, Queanbeyan were back within striking range at 17–12.

But the Owls answered immediately — and meaningfully. In his 100th 1st Grade appearance, fullback Jordan Thompson celebrated the milestone with a well-earned try in the 29th minute. Toa’s conversion restored breathing room before Christopher Mickelson muscled over five minutes later, pushing the score out to 29–12.

Before the break, Liae Tuilagi extended the lead with a try in the 39th minute, and with Toa’s boot in fine form, the Owls took a commanding 36–12 advantage into the sheds.

The Whites began the second half with intent, and it was again Blake Miller who found space, scoring his second in the 47th. A third followed just five minutes later, with Cooper-Jones converting one of the two to bring Queanbeyan back to 36–24.

But the Owls, unfazed, struck again. Liae Tuilagi grabbed his second in the 53rd, and with Toa’s fifth conversion, the visitors restored a comfortable margin at 43–24.

Whites winger Koko Salim added a consolation in the 60th minute, but another missed kick meant the gap remained too large to bridge. The final word fittingly belonged to the Owls, with Zeb Maddinson crossing in the 75th minute to bring up the half-century for the visitors. A final conversion attempt missed the mark, but it mattered little.

Despite a late flurry of substitutions from both teams, the contest had long been decided. The Owls had controlled the opening half and absorbed the best the Whites could throw at them in the second.

It was a statement win from Uni-Norths — physical, fast, and deeply motivated — as they celebrated not just a trophy and a milestone, but the spirit of community rugby embodied by the late Paddy Matthews.

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Points Summary

Owls Tries: Plowman, Mafi, Crozier, Thompson, Mickelson, Tuilagi (2), Maddinson
Owls Conversions: Toa (5)

Whites Tries: Kruger, Miller (3), Salim
Whites Conversions: Cooper-Jones (2)

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Team Lists

Uni-Norths Owls 1st Grade

1. Zeb Maddinson
2. Christopher Mickelson
3. Vaotangi Mafi
4. Billy Hansen
5. Samuel Mickelson (C)
6. Jimmy Plowman
7. Dylan Challita
8. Miller Tauiliili-Pelesasa
9. Zion Going
10. Samuel Toa
11. Charlie Crozier
12. Ignacio Bonsembiante
13. Liae Tuilagi
14. Issy Vaili
15. Jordan Thompson
    Substitutes: Uli Latukefu, Andrew Whittle, Molia Feleleai, Stirling Doyle

Queanbeyan Whites 1st Grade

1. Jean-benit Madjaga
2. Ewald Kruger
3. Mark Tiuru-Beni
4. Jack Preston
5. Jack Gordon
6. Brodie Preston
7. Patrick Egan
8. Riley Turner
9. Cullin Cooper-Jones
10. Andrew McFarlane
11. Blake Miller
12. Jakob Biet
13. Jackson Stuart
14. Koko Salim
15. Nathan Carroll
    Substitutes: Lochlan Smith, Nate Hepi, Isaiah Kolopeaua, Niall Tallon, Kalen Billiards, William Brisbane, Jacob Mead