Uni-Norths Owls Premier 15s 13 defeat Canberra Royals Premier 15s 12
Round 3, BentSpoke Premier 15s Competition
Boomanulla Enclosed Oval 1

 

In a nail-biting encounter that went right down to the wire, the Uni-Norths Owls Premier 15s women claimed a dramatic one-point victory over the Canberra Royals at Boomanulla Oval on Saturday. The 13-12 triumph maintains the Owls’ positive momentum in the BentSpoke Premier 15s competition, showcasing both their attacking prowess and defensive resilience when it mattered most.

 

Claudia Obst got the Owls off to a perfect start, crossing for a try in just the 7th minute. Though Madeleine Gogala couldn’t add the extras, the early 5-0 lead gave the visitors the confidence they needed against a formidable Royals outfit. The home side responded emphatically, with Biola Dawa demonstrating her finishing ability with two tries. Janiana Ravu’s successful conversion of one of Dawa’s efforts giving Royals a 12-5 advantage heading into the latter stages of the first half.

 

Gogala narrowed the gap with a well-struck penalty goal in the 26th minute, bringing the score to 12-8 as the teams approached the break.

 

Coach Andris Balmaks made several tactical adjustments throughout the contest, with substitutes making significant impacts. Most notably, Molly White came off the bench to score what would prove to be the decisive try in the 41st minute. Although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, the Owls had edged ahead 13-12.

 

The second half became a defensive showcase, with both sides throwing everything into their tackling and breakdown work. The Owls’ defensive line held firm despite mounting pressure from the home side, who desperately sought to reclaim the lead. Multiple tactical substitutions from both coaches in the final quarter illustrated the high-stakes nature of the contest, with fresh legs brought on to maintain intensity as fatigue set in.

 

The Owls’ defensive resilience and strong set piece was ultimately rewarded, holding onto their slender advantage until the final whistle. The first victory of the season marks an important step forward for the team in this year’s competition.

 

Next round sees the Owls take on Vikings away as they look to build on this momentum and continue their climb up the ladder.

 

Team Lists

Uni-Norths Owls Premier 15s

1. Iris Verebalavu
2. Annabelle Mickelson
3. Sophie Taplin
4. Madeleine Gogala
5. Meilani Salale
6. Ellie Brislane
7. Raevyn Dixon
8. Emily Carroll
9. Holly George
10. Emerina Marsh-Kiro
11. Sophie Tuilagi
12. Jane Garraway
13. Elodie Galinier
14. Liana Taufa’ao
15. Claudia Obst

Reserves

16. Belle Dare

17. Makira Wright

18. Aliesha Limmer

19. Molly White

20. Sydney Turner

21. Kayelyn Hill

22. Caity Porter

 

Coaches

• Andris Balmaks (Head Coach)
• Geoff Davy (Assistant Coach)

Try Scorers:

• Uni-Norths Owls: Claudia Obst, Molly White

Point Scorers:

• Uni-Norths Owls: Madeleine Gogala (1 penalty goal)

Canberra Royals Premier 15s

1. Renee Didier
2. Brooke Osborne
3. Hannah Stewart
4. Lucy Russell
5. Name Withheld
6. Tess Vandenbergh
7. Edwina Munns-Cook
8. Kiahan Bellchambers
9. Luci Wilson
10. Janiana Ravu
11. Jade Bellchambers
12. Ainsley Scrivener
13. Biola Dawa
14. Name Withheld
15. Apryll Green

Reserves

16. Emma Smith

17. Jane Phelps

18. Niamh Smith

19. Grace Wills

 

Coaches

• Darren Goodwin (Head Coach)
• Justin Vandenbergh (Assistant Coach)

Try Scorers:

• Royals: Biola Dawa (2  tries)

Point Scorers:

• Royals: Janiana Ravu (1 conversion)