Western District Lions 34 def. Canberra Royals 22
BentSpoke John I Dent Cup – Round 12
Jamison Oval – Saturday, July 12, 2025
By Canberra Royals

The Canberra Royals have suffered a disappointing 34-22 defeat to Western District Lions at Jamison Oval on Saturday afternoon, falling short in what proved to be an entertaining encounter between two well-matched sides.

Despite the result not going their way, the Royals showed character and determination throughout the 80 minutes, with individual moments of quality highlighting the continued development within the squad.

The visitors opened the scoring through a penalty goal from fullback Chace Oates, establishing early territorial advantage before the home side responded with a penalty goal from flyhalf Declan Meredith in the 4th minute to level the scores at 3-3.

Oates extended the Royals’ lead with a well-taken try in the 24th minute, successfully converting his own score to give the visitors a 10-3 advantage. However, the Lions hit back when an unnamed player crossed in the 30th minute, though the conversion was unsuccessful as they trailed 10-8.

The home side took the lead for the first time when hooker Ioelu Pisu powered over in the 34th minute, with Meredith adding the conversion to make it 15-10. The Royals responded immediately through fullback Viliami Sipa in the 39th minute, with Oates converting to regain the advantage at 17-15.

The second half saw the momentum shift decisively toward the home side. Centre Rohnin Parsons crossed in the 40th minute, though the conversion was unsuccessful as the Lions led 20-17. Flanker Ryan Kiely extended the advantage in the 49th minute with Meredith converting to push the score to 27-17.

Prop Aisake Atani completed the Lions’ scoring in the 60th minute, with Meredith again successful from the tee to establish a 34-17 lead. The Royals showed fighting spirit to the end, with centre Caleb Piper crossing in the 78th minute, though the conversion was unsuccessful as the final score remained 34-22.

Head coach Joe Kolokihakaufisi utilized tactical substitutions throughout the match, with Bailey Bouquiaux replaced by Joshua Myburgh, and Paddy Mcinally by Daniel King. Later in the match, Samuel Heffernan was replaced by Talilotu Uoifalelahi in the 59th minute and Spencer Scott by Brendan Le Galludec in the 50th minute.

Despite the defeat, there were positive individual performances throughout the Royals lineup. Oates contributed 10 points through a try, conversion, and penalty goal, while Sipa’s try demonstrated the backline’s attacking potential. Piper’s late try showed the team’s determination to compete until the final whistle.

The result serves as a reminder of the fine margins at this level of rugby, with the Royals showing they can compete with quality opposition while highlighting areas for continued improvement.

MATCH DETAILS

Try Scorers:
Royals: Chace Oates, Viliami Sipa, Caleb Piper
Lions: Name Withheld, Ioelu Pisu, Rohnin Parsons, Ryan Kiely, Aisake Atani

Conversions:
Royals: Chace Oates (2/3)
Lions: Declan Meredith (3/5)

Penalty Goals:
Royals: Chace Oates (1/1)
Lions: Declan Meredith (1/1)

TEAM CHANGES

Canberra Royals:

Tactical Substitutions:
Bailey Bouquiaux (replaced by Joshua Myburgh), Paddy Mcinally (replaced by Daniel King), Spencer Scott (replaced by Brendan Le Galludec – 50min), Samuel Heffernan (replaced by Talilotu Uoifalelahi – 59min)

Coach: Joe Kolokihakaufisi