The Uni-Norths Owls wrapped up their regular season with a 19–5 win over the Canberra Royals at Phillip Oval in Round 17 of the Bentspoke Premier 15s. While the victory was deserved, the Owls fell just short of earning a bonus point, dropping to third on the ladder behind the Wests Lionesses and Tuggeranong Vikings. They will now face the Gungahlin Eagles in a sudden-death elimination final this weekend.

The Owls got off to a dream start in just the 4th minute when captain Jane Garraway took advantage of quick ruck ball to dive over near the posts. Madeleine Gogala added the extras for an early 7–0 lead.

The forward pack, led by the powerful front row of Iris Verebalavu, Annabelle Mickelson, and Sophie Taplin, set the tone up front. Their dominance was rewarded in the 14th minute when Verebalavu muscled her way over from close range.

After a tense middle period which saw the Owls lose Ellie Brislane to the sin bin for repeated infringements, the visitors struck again early in the second half. In the 45th minute, No. 8 Crystal Papalii charged through the Royals defence for the third try of the match. Gogala’s conversion extended the lead to 19–5.

The final quarter saw the Owls withstand sustained pressure from Royals, even when reduced to 14 players again after Papalii received a yellow card for repeated infringements in the 69th minute. The bench made key contributions, with Benita Ese Sale, Adelaide Trevaskis, Cadyn Morgan-McGregor, Raevyn Dixon, Katelyn Hill, and Caity Porter all injecting fresh energy into the closing stages.

While the result was a strong defensive showing and a morale boost ahead of finals, the missed fourth try means the Owls head into the knockout stage without the luxury of second place. They will look to carry their set-piece strength and defensive grit into next weekend’s clash with the Eagles.

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Points Summary
Tries: Garraway 4’, Verebalavu 14’, Papalii 45’
Conversions: Gogala 4’, 45’

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Uni-Norths Owls Premier 15s

1. Iris Verebalavu
2. Annabelle MICKELSON
3. Sophie Taplin
4. Meilani Salale
5. Madeleine Gogala
6. Emily Carroll
7. Jess Grant
8. Crystal Papalii
9. Jane Garraway (C)
10. Emerina Marsh-Kiro
11. Holly George
12. Ellie Brislane
13. Sophie Tuilagi
14. Liana Taufa’ao
15. Molly White

Substitutes
16. Adelaide Trevaskis
17. Benita Ese Sale
19. Cadyn Morgan-McGregor
20. Raevyn Dixon
21. Caity Porter
22. Katelyn Hill

Canberra Royals Premier 15s

1. Renee Didier
2. Tess Vandenbergh
3. Hannah Stewart
4. Lucy Russell
5. Emma Smith
6. Jade Bellchambers
7. Rhiannon Ford
8. Ella Boundy
9. Bonnie Brewer
10. Olivia Hillard
11. Jane Phelps
12. Ainsley Scrivener
13. Apryll Green
14. Taleah Greene
15. Victoria Phelps

Substitutes
16. Bethany Robertson
17. Biola Dawa