Canberra Royals 1st Grade 31 def. Opposition 14
BentSpoke John I Dent Cup – Round 6
Phillip Oval – Saturday, May 24, 2025

The Canberra Royals 1st Grade side returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, powering to a comprehensive 31-14 victory at Phillip Oval that showcased the depth and quality within the squad.

After last week’s disappointing loss to Queanbeyan Whites, the Royals produced a clinical performance that demonstrated their ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain their position among the competition’s leading sides.

The home side dominated from the opening whistle, with fullback Kye Oates opening the scoring early in the match. The talented outside back added the conversion himself to give the Royals a 7-0 lead.

Back rower Spencer Scott extended the advantage with a well-taken try, with Oates again successful from the tee to push the score to 14-0. The Royals’ forward momentum continued when centre Jarrah McLeod crashed over for the team’s third try.

Oates completed his double with another impressive finish, though the conversion attempt was unsuccessful as the Royals established a commanding 24-0 lead. Winger Zac Ross added the team’s fifth try to complete a dominant first-half display.

The visitors finally opened their account in the ninth minute through winger Ioelu Pisu, with flyhalf Jacob Johnson adding the conversion to reduce the deficit to 29-7 at halftime.

The second half saw a more measured approach from both sides, with the visitors adding their second try through centre Mitchell Tye in the 33rd minute. However, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful as the Royals maintained control at 31-12.

Head coach Joe Kolokihakaufisi utilised his bench extensively throughout the match, demonstrating the squad’s impressive depth. Daniel Nelson was forced from the field early due to injury and was replaced by Sam Crane, while numerous tactical substitutions saw players like Bailey Bouquiaux, Brendan Le Galludec, Aiesi Siolo, and Luke Wyche all make valuable contributions.

The match was not without its disciplinary issues, with Bailey Bouquiaux receiving a yellow card for foul play and Mitchell Tye sin-binned for repeated infringement. However, the Royals maintained their composure throughout to secure a convincing victory.

Oates’ outstanding individual performance, contributing two tries and two conversions, highlighted his growing influence in the backline. Scott’s try-scoring contribution and McLeod’s powerful forward play demonstrated the balanced nature of the Royals’ attacking threat.

The comprehensive victory provides excellent momentum heading into next weekend’s crucial encounter, with the team’s ability to respond positively to adversity boding well for the remainder of the 2025 campaign.

MATCH DETAILS

Try Scorers:
Royals: Kye Oates (2), Spencer Scott, Jarrah McLeod, Zac Ross
Opposition: Ioelu Pisu, Mitchell Tye

Conversions:
Royals: Kye Oates (2/5)
Opposition: Jacob Johnson (1/2)

Penalty Goals:
Royals: None
Opposition: None

Cards:
Yellow: Bailey Bouquiaux (Royals – Foul Play), Mitchell Tye (Opposition – Repeated Infringement)

TEAM CHANGES

Canberra Royals 1st Grade:

Starters replaced:
Daniel Nelson (injury – replaced by Sam Crane), Jacob Johnson (replaced by Tomasi Bikaca), Iain Onosi (replaced by Timoci Sauvoli), Joshua Myburgh (replaced by Bailey Bouquiaux), Liam Clews (replaced by Brendan Le Galludec), Samuel Heffernan (replaced by Aiesi Siolo), Benjamin O’Donnell (replaced by Luke Wyche), Jarrah McLeod (replaced by George Tankard), Timoci Sauvoli (replaced by Nicholas Vili), Ioelu Pisu (replaced by Peni Nifo), Liam Bowron (replaced by Cameron Johns), Harry Vella (replaced by Joshua Madden), Joe Dillon (replaced by Samuel Myburgh)

Coach: Joe Kolokihakaufisi