In a spirited Round 3 John I Dent Cup encounter at Boomanulla Enclosed Oval, the Uni-Norths Owls Men’s 1st Grade team fell just short against a determined Canberra Royals outfit, going down 32-26 in what proved to be an entertaining clash from start to finish.

The Owls were quick to make their mark, with 1st Grade debuting hooker, Riley Sellars, crossing for an early try in just the third minute of play. Though Samuel Toa’s conversion attempt sailed wide, the early statement of intent was clear from the visitors.

Canberra Royals responded with firepower of their own, with Lincoln Smith, Caleb Piper, Paddy Mcinally, Brendan Le Galludec, and Cameron Johns all crossing the chalk. Samuel Myburgh’s boot adding crucial conversions and a penalty goal to establish a commanding lead.

Displaying the resilience that has become a hallmark of this Owls side, Jordan Thompson breathed life back into the contest with a well-worked try in the 25th minute, with Toa adding the extras to narrow the gap.

Emerging from the halftime break with renewed determination, Ignacio Bonsembiante powered over in the 45th minute, with Toa’s conversion further closing the deficit and giving the Owls faithful reason to believe a comeback was within reach.

The momentum briefly stalled when Issy Vaili was shown a yellow card for intentional infringement in the 58th minute, forcing the Owls to dig deep with 14 men. Yet even a player down, they showed tremendous character as Joshua Reis crossed for a magnificent try in the 66th minute, converted by the reliable Toa to set up a grandstand finish.

Despite their valiant efforts in the closing stages, time eventually ran out on the Owls’ comeback bid, with the final whistle confirming a 32-26 victory to the Royals. The bonus point for finishing within seven points provides some consolation as the Owls look ahead to next weekend’s fixture.

Uni-Norths Owls Team

1. Zeb Maddinson
2. Riley Sellars
3. Te Huia Kutia
4. Max Welborn
5. Deklyn Reid
6. Jasper Simmons
7. Joshua Reis
8. Miller Tauiliili-Pelesasa
9. Ben Roberton
10. Charlie Crozier
11. Kealii Leuluai
12. Samuel Toa
13. Ignacio Bonsembiante
14. Issy Vaili
15. Jordan Thompson

Substitutes: Joshua Friend

Coach: Lachlan Creighton

Try Scorers:

• Uni-Norths Owls: Riley Sellars, Jordan Thompson, Ignacio Bonsembiante, Joshua Reis

Point Scorers:

• Uni-Norths Owls: Samuel Toa (3 conversions)

Canberra Royals:

1. James Bundy
2. Cameron Johns
3. Samuel Heffernan
4. Spencer Scott
5. Tom Iles
6. Liam Clews
7. Bailey Bouquiaux (replaced by Joshua Myburgh)
8. Brendan Le Galludec
9. Sam Crane
10. Samuel Myburgh
11. Caleb Piper (replaced by Jesse Bellchambers)
12. Lincoln Smith
13. Joey Henry
14. Paddy Mcinally
15. Viliami Sipa

Substitutes: Joshua Myburgh, William Cash, Jesse Bellchambers

Coach: Joe Kolokihakaufisi

Try Scorers:

• Royals: Lincoln Smith, Caleb Piper, Paddy Mcinally, Brendan Le Galludec, Cameron Johns

Point Scorers:

• Royals: Samuel Myburgh (2 conversions, 1 penalty goal)