On a cold and rain-soaked afternoon at the Barn, the Uni-Norths Owls Premier Women went down 27–10 to competition leaders Wests in Round 15, a physical, muddy arm wrestle on Old Owls and Sponsors Day.

Despite the conditions, the Owls brought plenty of heat up front. Their scrum was dominant throughout, routinely putting the Wests pack under pressure and winning penalties across the park. Lineout execution was also sharp, giving Owls valuable territory and attacking platforms.

Owls were first to strike in the 25th minute when No. 8 Crystal Papalii crashed over close to the posts, rewarded for a sustained build-up of phases. Madeleine Gogala converted for a 7–0 lead.

Wests hit back through winger Zali Gibson, who found space in the 32nd minute. They crossed again shortly after via flyhalf Emily Wright, who darted through a gap to land the try. But the Owls steadied before halftime, winning a penalty on the siren which Gogala coolly slotted to lock it up 10–10 at the break.

The second half, however, swung Wests’ way as their backline found more opportunities in transition. Tries to Fogamanono Tusiga and two from centre Aaliyah Lomas extended their lead as Wests made the most of the opportunities they were given.

Owls worked hard to stay in the contest, with standout efforts in defence and continued dominance at the scrum, but handling errors and limited second-half possession made it difficult to claw back momentum.

The match marked a milestone for Georgia Combes, who brought typical grit off the bench in her 100th club game, a worthy effort in a bruising encounter.

The Owls now sit third with two rounds remaining, and face a key showdown with the second-placed Vikings next week as finals loom.

---

Scoring Summary
Owls:
Try – Papalii 25’
Conversion – Gogala 25’
Penalty Goal – Gogala 40’

Wests:
Tries – Gibson 32’, Wright 39’, Tusiga 52’, Lomas 61’, Lomas 66’
Conversion – Huriwai 63’

---

Uni-Norths Owls Premier 15s

1. Iris Verebalavu
2. Annabelle Mickelson
3. Sophie Taplin
4. Cadyn Morgan-McGregor
5. Madeleine Gogala
6. Emily Carroll
7. Jess Grant
8. Crystal Papalii
9. Jane Garraway (C)
10. Sophie Tuilagi
11. Raevyn Dixon
12. Meilani Salale
13. Ellie Brislane
14. Liana Taufa’ao
15. Molly White
    Substitutes:
16. Georgia Combes
17. Caity Porter
18. Anneliese Breiner
19. Rachel Cantrill
20. Katelyn Hill

Western District Lionesses Premier 15s

1. Jane Morrison
2. Khalehla Mupudzi
3. Paige Armstrong
4. Fogamanono Tusiga
5. Emily Hudson
6. Allie Booker
7. Jacquiline Pele
8. Kiani Harawira
9. Lola Fletcher
10. Emily Wright
11. Mayah Amosa
12. Jasmin Huriwai
13. Aaliyah Lomas
14. Zali Gibson
15. Emily Stanberg
    Substitutes:
16. Izabella Epati-Hopoate