Canberra Royals 35 def. Opposition 24
BentSpoke John I Dent Cup – Round 8
Phillip Oval – Saturday, June 14, 2025
By Canberra Royals

The Canberra Royals delivered an entertaining performance for Women in Rugby Day at Phillip Oval on Saturday afternoon, claiming a hard-fought 35-24 victory in a match that showcased the attacking quality of both sides.

In what developed into a classic encounter, the Royals demonstrated their ability to score points while showing the resilience needed to withstand a determined opposition fightback in the second half.

The home side established early dominance with centre Liam Bowron opening the scoring, with fullback Chace Oates adding the conversion to give the Royals a 7-0 lead. Bowron completed his double soon after, again converted by the reliable Oates as the home side raced to a 14-0 advantage.

Centre Jarrah McLeod extended the lead with a well-taken try, with Oates maintaining his perfect record from the tee to push the score to 21-0. Winger Paddy Mcinally powered over for the team’s fourth try, again converted by Oates as the Royals established a commanding 28-0 lead.

Centre Lincoln Smith completed the first-half scoring for the home side, with Oates adding his fifth conversion to give the Royals a 35-0 halftime advantage in what appeared to be a comprehensive victory in the making.

However, the visitors showed tremendous character in the second half, responding through centre Koko Salim in the 34th minute. Flyhalf Cullin Cooper-Jones added the conversion before slotting a penalty goal in the 24th minute to reduce the deficit to 35-10.

The opposition continued their comeback when lock Ewald Kruger crossed in the 51st minute, with Cooper-Jones again successful from the tee as they trailed 35-17. Substitute Blake Miller completed the visitors’ scoring in the 63rd minute, with Cooper-Jones adding the conversion to bring the final score to 35-24.

Head coach Joe Kolokihakaufisi was forced into an early injury substitution, with Samuel Heffernan replaced by Sione Mau. The coaching staff also utilized tactical changes throughout the match, with Paddy Mcinally making way for Matty Cole and James Bundy replaced by Aiesi Siolo.

The visitors made several changes due to injuries and tactical requirements, including Jean-benit Madjaga replaced by Nate Hepi due to injury in the 46th minute, and tactical substitutions seeing Brodie Preston replaced by Josh Townsend and Isaiah Kolopeaua by Mark Tiuru-Beni in the 52nd minute. William Brisbane was replaced by Patrick Egan in the 78th minute.

Blood injury protocols saw Maligi Finau and Jakob Biet interchange multiple times throughout the match, demonstrating the physical nature of the encounter.

The match was not without its disciplinary issues, with Caleb Piper receiving a yellow card for intentional infringement, though the Royals maintained their composure to secure the victory.

Oates’ perfect goal-kicking display, converting all five tries, proved crucial in establishing the substantial first-half lead that ultimately proved decisive. Bowron’s double and the contributions from McLeod, Mcinally, and Smith highlighted the balanced nature of the Royals’ attacking threats.

The comprehensive first-half performance provides excellent momentum as the team continues their push towards the finals, though the second-half fightback will serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining intensity for the full 80 minutes.

MATCH DETAILS

Try Scorers:
Royals: Liam Bowron (2), Jarrah McLeod, Paddy Mcinally, Lincoln Smith
Opposition: Koko Salim, Ewald Kruger, Blake Miller

Conversions:
Royals: Chace Oates (5/5)
Opposition: Cullin Cooper-Jones (3/3)

Penalty Goals:
Royals: None
Opposition: Cullin Cooper-Jones (1)

Cards:
Yellow: Caleb Piper (Opposition – Intentional Infringement)

TEAM CHANGES

Canberra Royals:

Injury Substitutions:
Samuel Heffernan (replaced by Sione Mau)

Tactical Substitutions:
Paddy Mcinally (replaced by Matty Cole), James Bundy (replaced by Aiesi Siolo)

Coach: Joe Kolokihakaufisi

Opposition:

Injury Substitutions:
Jean-benit Madjaga (replaced by Nate Hepi – 46min)

Tactical Substitutions:
Brodie Preston (replaced by Josh Townsend – 52min), Isaiah Kolopeaua (replaced by Mark Tiuru-Beni – 52min), William Brisbane (replaced by Patrick Egan – 78min)

Blood Injury Substitutions:
Multiple interchanges between Maligi Finau and Jakob Biet