Uni-Norths Owls 36 (Challita, Mickelson, Tauiliili-Pelesasa, Chan Tung, Reis tries; Toa 4 conversions, 1 penalty) defeated Western District Lions 34 (Tye 2, Bretton 2, Toma tries; Anderson 3 conversions, 1 penalty)

Uni-Norths Owls have started their 2025 BentSpoke John I Dent Cup campaign with a nail-biting 36-34 victory over Western District Lions in a see-sawing encounter at Jamison Oval on Saturday.

In a match that featured 10 tries and multiple lead changes, it was ultimately Samuel Toa‘s 81st-minute penalty goal that secured the win for the Owls, breaking Lions’ hearts after a spirited comeback had brought them to the brink of victory.

The tone for this high-scoring affair was set early, with Mitchell Tye crossing for the Lions straight from the kick-off. However, the Owls responded quickly through Dylan Challita in the 11th minute, with Toa adding the extras to give the visitors their first lead.

The back-and-forth nature continued throughout a frenetic first half. The Lions regained the advantage through Tye’s second try in the 13th minute, before Christopher Mickelson restored the Owls’ lead in the 20th minute. The Lions then landed a one-two punch before halftime, with Dylan Bretton and Moeaki Toma both scoring in quick succession to give the home side a healthy advantage.

But the Owls struck back almost immediately after the half-time break. Miller Tauiliili-Pelesasa crashed over in the 41st minute to cut the deficit, and although Bretton’s second try moments later extended the Lions’ lead again, the contest was far from over.

The match tightened in the early second half, with only Austin Anderson’s penalty goal in the 53rd minute troubling the scorers. The Owls’ resolve was tested early when Christopher Mickelson was forced from the field with a shoulder injury after 28 minutes, followed by his brother and 1st Grade Captain, Samuel Mickelson, in the 53rd minute with a shoulder issue of his own.

Despite these setbacks, the Owls continued to push. Joshua Reis, making a typically big impact off the bench, powered over for a crucial try in the 65th minute, though Toa couldn’t add the conversion. Tauati Chan Tung then gave the visitors breathing space with a five-pointer in the 75th minute, converted by Toa to extend their lead.

With the final moments ticking away and the match seemingly decided, Toa stepped up to slot the match-winning penalty in the 81st minute, ensuring the Owls would start their campaign with a hard-fought two-point victory.

Saturday’s win also marked several important milestones for the club, with five players making their first-grade or club debuts for the Owls. Te Huia Kutia, Kealii Leuluai, Liae Tuilagi, and Tauati Chan Tung all pulled on the Owls jersey for the first time, with Chan Tung making his debut at the senior level after playing for the Owls in his junior days. Ben Roberton also featured in his first top-grade appearance, adding to a strong showing from the club’s rising talent.

For Wests, it was a bitter pill to swallow after an impressive attacking display. Mitchell Tye was outstanding with a double, while Dylan Bretton also crossed twice in a losing effort. Austin Anderson contributed 11 points from the boot, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the determined Owls outfit.

The victory gives the Owls early momentum in the competition, while Wests will take heart from their attacking prowess despite falling just short in the Round 1 encounter.