Royals Secure Hard-Fought Victory in Thrilling Encounter

Canberra Royals 34 def. Opposition 24
BentSpoke John I Dent Cup – Round 11
Phillip Oval – Saturday, July 5, 2025

The Canberra Royals have claimed a thrilling 34-24 victory at Phillip Oval on Saturday afternoon in a match that showcased the competitive nature of this season’s BentSpoke John I Dent Cup and demonstrated the team’s ability to perform under pressure.

In what developed into an entertaining encounter between two well-matched sides, the Royals showed character and composure to secure a crucial victory that strengthens their position heading into the business end of the season.

The visitors opened the scoring with centre Liki Chan-Tung crossing for the first of what would become a hat-trick performance. Flyhalf Sam Chapman added the conversion to give the visitors a 7-0 lead in the early exchanges.

However, the home side responded immediately through inside centre Lincoln Smith, who crossed in the 4th minute to open the Royals’ account, though the conversion attempt was unsuccessful as they trailed 7-5.

Chan-Tung completed his second try for the visitors, with Chapman again off-target with the conversion as they maintained their advantage at 12-5. The Royals hit back when halfback Daniel Nelson crossed in the 22nd minute, with fullback Chace Oates adding the conversion to reduce the deficit to 12-12.

Centre Pedro Rolando extended the home side’s momentum with a try in the 26th minute, though the conversion was unsuccessful as the Royals took their first lead at 17-12. The visitors responded through a try to Alec Corcoran, with Chapman successfully converting to level the scores at 17-17.

Fullback Viliami Sipa gave the Royals a crucial advantage when he crossed in the 42nd minute, though the conversion was again unsuccessful as they led 22-17. Chan-Tung completed his hat-trick for the visitors, bringing the score to 22-22 with the conversion unsuccessful.

The decisive score came through substitute Aiesi Siolo in the 59th minute, who had replaced Samuel Heffernan just one minute earlier. The unconverted try gave the Royals a commanding lead they would maintain until the final whistle, with additional scoring bringing the final margin to 34-24.

Head coach Joe Kolokihakaufisi was forced into several changes throughout the match. The coaching staff also utilized tactical substitutions, with Samuel Heffernan replaced by Aiesi Siolo in the 58th minute, Bailey Bouquiaux forced off due to injury and replaced by Jefica Tuinayau in the 64th minute, and James Bundy replaced by Sione Mau in the 72nd minute.

The visitors made tactical changes with Sam McLachlan replaced by Malietoa Hingano during the match.

The victory was built on strong individual performances throughout the Royals lineup. Siolo’s impact off the bench proved decisive, while Nelson and Sipa’s tries demonstrated the team’s attacking threats across the backline. Oates’ reliable goal-kicking, despite limited opportunities, maintained crucial scoreboard pressure.

The hard-fought victory demonstrates the squad’s resilience and ability to perform when the pressure is on, qualities that will be essential as the season reaches its climax.

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