Uni-Norths Owls produced a dominant 68–0 victory over the Queanbeyan Whites at Campese Field in Round 14. The result saw the Owls move up to second place on the ladder, just behind Wests, with three rounds remaining in the regular season.

The Owls wasted no time taking control of the match. Elodie Galinier opened the scoring in the second minute, although her conversion attempt was unsuccessful. The Owls continued to apply pressure, and in the 10th minute, Crystal Papalii crossed for another try, but once again, the conversion fell short.

Due to injuries and low numbers, the Whites started the match with just 14 players. As the game progressed, they dropped to 13 players, prompting the Owls to match numbers to ensure fair play.

In the 17th minute, Iris Verebalavu got her first try of the match, with Galinier successfully converting to give the Owls a 15–0 lead. Just five minutes later, in the 22nd minute, Galinier scored another try, but her conversion attempt was again unsuccessful.

With the Owls in firm control, they increased their advantage just before halftime. In the 34th minute, Verebalavu bagged her second try, and Galinier’s conversion made it 27–0 at the break.

The second half began with a bang. In the 37th minute, Liana Taufa’ao added another try, with Galinier converting to bring the score to 34–0. The Whites, though resilient, were struggling to contain the Owls, and in the 45th minute, Meilani Salale scored. The conversion was missed, but the Owls moved to 39–0.

Jess Grant, making her long-awaited return from injury, marked her comeback with a try in the 48th minute before coming off the field due to “return to play” limited minutes. Madeleine Gogala converted, stretching the Owls’ lead to 46–0.

The 52nd minute saw Galinier complete her hat trick with a third try, but her conversion attempt went wide, making it 51–0. In the 60th minute, Izzy Atkinson-Smith added her name to the score sheet with a try, although the conversion was unsuccessful, and the Owls went up 56–0.

Verebalavu then completed her own hat trick in the 65th minute, though the conversion attempt went wide, leaving the score at 61–0. In the 70th minute, Sophie Taplin finished the match with a try under the posts. Holly George, in her 50th game, successfully kicked the conversion, capping off the Owls’ 68–0 victory.

The dominant performance keeps the Owls firmly entrenched in the top four, with the side showing ruthless attacking polish despite being forced to adapt to modified numbers on the day. For the Whites, the grit and heart shown under tough circumstances were commendable, with several players digging deep in a taxing encounter.

With three rounds left before finals, the Owls now shift their focus to maintaining their form as they prepare for the upcoming crucial matches against Wests, Vikings, and Royals. Their attacking prowess and defensive resolve will be key as they aim to secure a top spot and make a strong push for the finals.

Point Summary:

• Tries: Taplin (70′), Verebalavu (65′), Atkinson-Smith (60′), Galinier (52′), Grant (48′), Salale (45′), Taufa’ao (37′), Verebalavu (34′), Galinier (22′), Verebalavu (17′), Papalii (10′), Galinier (2′)
• Conversions: George (70′), Gogala (48′), Galinier (37′), Galinier (34′)

Uni-Norths Owls Team:

1. Iris Verebalavu
2. Annabelle Mickelson
3. Sophie Taplin
4. Cadyn Morgan-McGregor
5. Meilani Salale
6. Ellie Brislane
7. Jess Grant
8. Crystal Papalii
9. Jane Garraway (C)
10. Holly George
11. Izzy Atkinson-Smith
12. Caity Porter
13. Sophie Tuilagi
14. Liana Taufa’ao
15. Elodie Galinier

Substitutes:
16. Emily Carroll
18. Madeleine Gogala
22. Molly White
20. Katelyn Hill

Queanbeyan Whites Team:

1. Dorothy Carroll
2. Clementine Utumapu
3. Name Withheld
4. Susan Sanft
5. Telaini Latu
6. Alyrah Cole
7. TBC
8. Seni Faupula
9. Kayla Couch
10. Reese Vidler
11. Elsie Ford
12. Thalia Uilelea
13. Jorjah Griffiths
14. Jade Lynn Burdeyny
15. Niamh Billiards