For the first time this season the Uni Norths Owls have emerged victorious in first grade beating the Gungahlin Eagles 22-10.
In what was a fantastically exciting game of rugby the Owls fought back from a ten-point deficit in the first half to keep the Eagles scoreless for the remainder of the game.
The Eagles backs had glimpses of brilliance, but the Owls defence remained stout and capitalised on mistakes made by the Eagles.
The Eagles started hard and fast, bursting through the Owls defensive line with powerful carries.
Second rower JP Fenukitau scored off great starting momentum for the Eagles, charging over from 20 metres out.
Winger Luke Duffey kicked the conversion to put his side ahead by seven.
The Owls were defending strong and were waiting for an opportunity to gain possession.
The Eagles made a costly handling error which gave the Owls backs an opportunity to score, winger Callum Richardson was the man to score.
Fullback Sam Irwin levelled the scores by kicking the conversion.
With halftime closing in the Owls discipline lapsed and Luke Duffey had the chance to give his side the lead with a penalty kick.
He capitalised on the opportunity giving the Eagles the lead 7-10 going into halftime.
The Owls started the second half with a bang, again capitalising on handling errors made by the Eagles with a try inside the Eagles 22, Owls Centre Willoughby Axelsen the try scorer.
Irwin missed the conversion leaving the score 12-10.
The Eagles looked to be making a resurgence, gaining momentum with some powerful ball running.
Gungahlin winger Eli Sinoti made an incredible break from inside his own half, beating multiple tackles.
He linked up with a pass to his teammates, but the Owls scramble defence shut down any chance of a try being scored.
Captain David Bennett gained a crucial ruck penalty for the Owls and saved them from what was a dire situation.
Irwin kicked a penalty for the Owls after sustained pressure inside the Eagles half and the score was then 15-10.
The Owls then secured their win after what can be described as an unbelievable try.
Owls centre Phil Ferreira intercepted an Eagles pass on the 50-metre line and set off towards the line.
The clearly exhausted centre decided to run through the Eagles fullback and gave a one-handed offload to his captain David Bennett who cruised in for the game sealing try.
Irwin converted the try to make the final score 22-10.
This was the highlight of what was a great game from Owls centre Ferreira.
Words: Eamon Moore
