The Uni-Norths Owls have booked their spot in the Bentspoke Premier 15s Grand Final, overcoming the Tuggeranong ViQueens in a pulsating preliminary final at Viking Park on Saturday. In a game packed with intensity, skill, and momentum swings, the Owls showcased grit, flair, and a fearless finish to emerge 25–17 winners and set up a tantalising showdown with Wests this coming weekend.

The Owls made a dream start, asserting early dominance through their forwards and slick backline moves. In the 3rd minute, captain Jane Garraway crashed over from short range after sustained pressure, with Madeleine Gogala slotting the conversion to make it 7–0.

Uni-Norths weren’t finished. Just six minutes later, a beautifully orchestrated left-to-right movement set up Sophie Tuilagi, who powered over to extend the lead. Despite a missed conversion, the Owls were firmly in control at 12–0.

The ViQueens responded in the 24th minute, with powerhouse Antoinette Eli slicing through the defence for a try in the corner. The conversion attempt missed, reducing the Owls’ lead to 12–5, and setting up an arm-wrestle for the remainder of the first half.

Uni-Norths continued to probe, with winger Holly George causing problems down the sideline, and Sophie Tuilagi nearly adding another score in the 33rd minute, only for the sideline referee to rule her out. The half closed with the Owls narrowly ahead 12–7, but the intensity suggested a nail-biting second half to come.

The ViQueens came out swinging after halftime, immediately testing the Owls’ defence. Tuggeranong hit back with two quick-fire tries: Antoinette Eli in the 54th minute and Olivia Faitua in the 57th minute, swinging the scoreboard to 17–15 in their favour.

The home crowd roared, but the Owls responded with composure and tactical nous. A penalty from a dominant scrum in the 47th minute saw Madeleine Gogala extend Uni-Norths’ lead to 15–7, setting the tone for the final surge.

The pivotal moment came in the 63rd minute, when a lineout five metres from the ViQueens’ try line allowed Ellie Brislane to finish in the left corner, reclaiming the lead 20–17. The grandstand erupted as the Owls showed they had the belief and skill to see the game out.

With the final minutes ticking down, Fullback, Molly White put the result beyond doubt, crashing over in the 69th minute after multiple attacking phases. Despite another missed conversion, the Owls held firm to finish 25–17 winners, sending their supporters into celebratory overdrive and punching their ticket to the Grand Final.

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Point Summary

Tries — Uni-Norths Owls:

Jane Garraway (3’), Sophie Tuilagi (9’), Ellie Brislane (63’), Molly White (69’)

Conversions — Uni-Norths Owls:

Madeleine Gogala (3’)

Penalty Goals — Uni-Norths Owls:

Madeleine Gogala (47’)

Tries — Tuggeranong ViQueens:

Antoinette Eli (24’, 54’), Olivia Faitua (57’)

Conversions — Tuggeranong ViQueens:

Siena Edwards

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Team Lists

Uni-Norths Owls Premier 15s

1. Iris Verebalavu
2. Emily Carroll
3. Sophie Taplin
4. Meilani Salale
5. Madeleine Gogala
6. Adelaide Trevaskis
7. Jess Grant
8. Crystal Papalii
9. Jane Garraway (C)
10. Emerina Marsh-Kiro
11. Sophie Tuilagi
12. Ellie Brislane
13. Elodie Galinier
14. Holly George
15. Molly White
    Substitutes:
16. Claudia Obst
17. Benita Ese Sale
18. Raevyn Dixon
19. Liana Taufa’ao
20. Katelyn Hill
21. Cadyn Morgan-McGregor
22. Belle Dare

Tuggeranong ViQueens Premier 15s

1. Vika Ngata (C)
2. Nicole Knight
3. Jessica Boxall-Mau
4. Georgie Prasad
5. Dayna Cockbain
6. Ilana Tabulutu
7. Sharon Waihape
8. Antoinette Eli
9. Rubi Williams
10. Name Withheld
11. Jade Bunn
12. Name Withheld (C)
13. Avari Petersen
14. Charlotte Roach
15. Siena Edwards
    Substitutes:
16. Amelia Kiriui
17. Monique Henderson
18. Susana Rogoyawa
19. Olivia Faitua
20. Annie Ott
21. Charlotte Komorowski