Canberra Royals Premier 15s 12 def. by Uni-Norths Owls Premier 15s 13
BentSpoke Premier 15s – Round 3
Boomanulla Enclosed Oval 1 – Saturday, May 3, 2025
By Sports Desk

The Canberra Royals women have suffered their first defeat of the 2025 BentSpoke Premier 15s season, falling 13-12 to Uni-Norths Owls in a nail-biting contest at Boomanulla Oval on Saturday morning.

In a match where momentum shifted throughout, the Royals were ultimately undone by a solitary point despite a brilliant double from centre Biola Dawa, as the Owls demonstrated their premiership credentials with a composed performance away from home.

After dominating their opening matches of the season, the Royals were immediately on the front foot when Dawa crossed for the opening try. Flyhalf Janiana Ravu added the conversion to give the home side an early 7-0 advantage.

Dawa, continuing her outstanding early-season form, crossed for her second five-pointer shortly after, though this time the conversion was unsuccessful as the Royals established what appeared to be a comfortable 12-0 lead.

The Owls refused to wilt under the early onslaught, responding through fullback Claudia Obst who crashed over in the seventh minute. Madeleine Gogala was unable to add the extras from a difficult angle, but the visitors had found their footing in the contest.

In a tactical reshuffle that would prove influential, the Owls benched number 8 Emily Carroll after just 12 minutes, with Aliesha Limmer entering the fray to bolster their defensive efforts.

The arm-wrestle continued before Gogala slotted a penalty goal in the 26th minute to narrow the deficit to 12-8, setting up a tense second half as both sides sought a potentially decisive score.

The visitors made their move immediately after the break when substitute Molly White, who had been tactically introduced before halftime, crossed for what would prove to be the match-winning try in the 41st minute. Gogala was unsuccessful with the conversion attempt, but the one-point advantage was ultimately enough for the Owls.

Both coaches emptied their benches in the second half as fatigue became a factor, with no fewer than six substitutions made by the Owls in the 63rd minute alone as they sought to protect their slender lead.

Despite a spirited late surge from the Royals, the Owls’ defensive line held firm in the closing stages to secure a statement victory that throws the competition wide open after three rounds.

The Royals’ back row of Vandenbergh, Munns-Cook and Bellchambers worked tirelessly throughout, while Dawa’s explosive running caused constant headaches for the visitors’ defence despite their eventual success in containing her after the early onslaught.

For the Owls, the tactical acumen of coaches Andris Balmaks and Geoff Davy proved decisive, with their timely substitutions ensuring fresh legs were available at crucial moments. Gogala’s boot proved the difference, with her penalty goal ultimately separating the sides.

The defeat will provide valuable lessons for Darren Goodwin’s Royals as they look to regroup before next weekend’s fourth-round encounter, while the Owls have announced themselves as genuine title contenders with this gutsy away victory.

MATCH DETAILS

Try Scorers:
Royals: Biola Dawa (2)
Owls: Claudia Obst, Molly White

Conversions:
Royals: Janiana Ravu (1/2)
Owls: None (0/2)

Penalty Goals:
Royals: None
Owls: Madeleine Gogala (1/1)

TEAM LISTS

Canberra Royals Premier 15s:

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

Substitutes: Emma Smith, Jane Phelps, Grace Wills, Niamh Smith

Coach: Darren Goodwin, Justin Vandenbergh (Assistant)

Uni-Norths Owls Premier 15s:

1. Iris Verebalavu (Madeleine Gogala)
2. Annabelle Mickelson (Sydney Turner)
3. Sophie Taplin
4. Madeleine Gogala (Belle Dare)
5. Meilani Salale
6. Ellie Brislane
7. Raevyn Dixon (Caity Porter)
8. Emily Carroll (Aliesha Limmer)
9. Holly George (Kayelyn Hill)
10. Emerina Marsh-Kiro (Molly White)
11. Sophie Tuilagi (Liana Taufa’ao)
12. Jane Garraway
13. Elodie Galinier
14. Liana Taufa’ao (Molly White)
15. Claudia Obst

Substitutes: Belle Dare, Makira Wright, Aliesha Limmer, Molly White, Sydney Turner, Kayelyn Hill, Caity Porter

Coach: Andris Balmaks, Geoff Davy (Assistant)