After three weeks off due to a bye and wet weather cancellations, the Uni-Norths Owls Premier 15s returned to The Barn in Round 8 to take on the undefeated Wests Lions. In a physical and fast-paced contest, the Owls showed determination throughout but were ultimately outpaced by the visitors, going down 29–19.

Wests struck early, crossing in the opening minute through Madi Barclay-George and adding the conversion via Jasmin Huriwai to take a 7–0 lead. The Owls responded with strong ball movement and found success in the 7th minute when Crystal Papalii powered over near the left edge. Madeleine Gogala slotted the conversion to level the score at 7-all.

The visitors regained momentum with consecutive tries to Huriwai and Jane Morrison in the 27th and 29th minutes, with a successful conversion pushing Wests to a 19–7 advantage. But the Owls answered back through Belle Dare, who burrowed over under the posts after sustained pressure and several phases of pick-and-go. Emerina Marsh-Kiro added the two points, narrowing the gap to 19–14 at the break.

Wests extended their lead in the second half with a conversion in the 31st minute, followed by two more tries to Khalehla Mupudzi in the 52nd and Aaliyah Lomas in the 64th. Although the Owls held firm in defence for long stretches, Wests’ sharp finishing out wide proved the difference.

With time winding down, Claudia Obst crossed in the 68th minute after a quick shift to the left edge, keeping the Owls within striking range. The conversion attempt missed, leaving the final score at 29–19.

The Owls will take plenty from this clash against a top-two side and look to build consistency as the season resumes in full swing.

Points Summary

Tries
Owls: Crystal Papalii (7’), Belle Dare (24’), Claudia Obst (68’)
Wests: Madi Barclay-George (0’), Jasmin Huriwai (27’), Jane Morrison (29’), Khalehla Mupudzi (52’), Aaliyah Lomas (64’)

Conversions
Owls: Madeleine Gogala (7’), Emerina Marsh-Kiro (24’)
Wests: Jasmin Huriwai (1’, 31’)

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Team Lists

Uni-Norths Owls Premier 15s

1. Benita Ese Sale
2. Emily Carroll
3. Sophie Taplin
4. Belle Dare
5. Madeleine Gogala
6. Meilani Salale
7. Raevyn Dixon
8. Crystal Papalii
9. Holly George
10. Emerina Marsh-Kiro
11. Sophie Tuilagi
12. Jane Garraway (c)
13. Elodie Galinier
14. Liana Taufa’ao
15. Claudia Obst
    Reserves:
16. Makira Wright
17. Cadyn Morgan-McGregor

Western District Lionesses Premier 15s

1. Jane Morrison (c)
2. Sydnee Cooke
3. Khalehla Mupudzi
4. Chelsea O’Brien
5. Allie Booker
6. Fogamanono Tusiga
7. Emily Hudson
8. Madi Barclay-George
9. Lola Fletcher
10. Jasmin Huriwai
11. Marites Woods
12. Becka Marsters
13. Aaliyah Lomas
14. Monica Gonzalez
15. Emma Willett
    Reserves:
16. Kiani Harawira
17. Chloe Smith
18. Lily Ridley
19. Zali Gibson