The Uni-Norths Owls advanced to the preliminary final with a commanding 41–20 victory over the Gungahlin Eagles at Viking Park on Saturday, setting up a blockbuster clash with the Tuggeranong ViQueens.

The Owls ran in seven tries across the 70 minutes, overcoming an early Eagles strike before surging ahead through pace, power, and precise finishing.

The Eagles struck first in just the 5th minute when Martha Fua finished a brilliant 50-metre charge to give her side the lead. The conversion sailed wide, but the Eagles had the early momentum at 5–0. The Owls steadied and soon wrestled control. Ellie Brislane hit back in the 17th minute, muscling over after sustained pressure. Three minutes later, Holly George showed blistering speed down the wing to give the Owls a 10–5 advantage.

The Owls pack began to dominate, and their efforts were rewarded in the 31st minute as Iris Verebalavu crashed over near the posts. Madeleine Gogala added the extras to stretch the margin to 17–5. Just before halftime, the Eagles clawed back through Siutiti Maake, who split the Owls defence in the 35th minute to close the gap to 17–10 at the break.

The Owls came out firing in the second half. On 40 minutes, slick handling released Sophie Tuilagi, who dived over in the corner. Though the conversion was missed, the Owls extended their lead to 22–10. Moments later, a barnstorming run from Meilani Salale set up Elodie Galinier to slice through the defence for another try in the 42nd minute. This time Emerina Marsh-Kiro converted to make it 29–10. The Owls continued to press, and on 50 minutes Crystal Papalii powered over following a strong carry. Marsh-Kiro’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but the score ballooned to 34–10.

The Eagles refused to fold. With the Owls reduced to 14 players after a yellow card to Meilani Salale, Siutiti Maake struck for her second try in the 59th minute. Just five minutes later, replacement Angelica Kavaliku-Skinner crossed in the corner to bring the score to 34–20.

But the Owls had the final say. In the 70th minute, Madeleine Gogala capped her strong all-round performance with a sharp show-and-go to score the seventh try. Jess Grant converted, sealing a 41–20 victory.

The victory means the Owls advance to next Saturday’s preliminary final, where they’ll face Tuggeranong Vikings with a spot in the grand final on the line.

---

Point Summary

Tries – Uni-Norths Owls:
Brislane 17′, George 20′, Verebalavu 31′, Tuilagi 40′, Galinier 42′, Papalii 50′, Gogala 70′

Conversions – Uni-Norths Owls:
Gogala 31′, Marsh-Kiro 42′, Grant 70′

Tries – Gungahlin Eagles:
Fua 5′, Maake 35′, Maake 59′, Kavaliku-Skinner 64′

Conversions – Gungahlin Eagles:
None

---

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. Raevyn Dixon
8. Jess Grant
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. Izzy Atkinson-Smith
17. Benita Ese Sale
18. Crystal Papalii
19. Cadyn Morgan-McGregor
21. Liana Taufa’ao
22. Katelyn Hill

Gungahlin Eagles Premier 15s

1. Talina Driti
2. Tilila Hifo
3. Toakasa Lotawa
4. Jackie Paki
5. Latanoa Taipaleti
6. Isabella Lo Re
7. Olivia Scott
8. Elsa Fisi-ilila Usaia Brunner
9. Amy Rebera (C)
10. Name Withheld
11. Laura Cameron
12. Siutiti Maake
13. Martha Fua
14. Samantha Brown
15. Jasmine Kelley

Substitutes:
17. Lisa Poulakis
19. Angelica Kavaliku-Skinner
22. Isabella Meere
23. Samantha Chikirov
0. Kolora Toga