Gungahlin Eagles Premier 15s 52 def. Canberra Royals Premier 15s 10
BentSpoke Premier 15s – Round 4
Nicholls Enclosed 2 – Saturday, May 10, 2025

The Canberra Royals Women’s Premier 15s side encountered their first setback of the 2025 season on Saturday, falling 52-10 to a clinical Gungahlin Eagles outfit at Nicholls Oval.

Despite the challenging scoreline, the Royals showed characteristic determination with tries to powerhouse number 8 Ellie Burnett and talented flyhalf Janiana Ravu demonstrating the fighting spirit that has become synonymous with this squad.

The Eagles started strongly in the opening exchanges, with prop Tilila Hifo crossing twice in the first ten minutes. The home side’s momentum continued through the first half as they established a commanding lead, with accurate goal-kicking from Olivia Scott proving the difference.

Facing a significant deficit at halftime, the Royals emerged with renewed purpose in the second stanza. Burnett’s powerful drive over the line early in the half showcased the forward pack’s determination to compete, while Ravu’s clever footwork for the team’s second try highlighted the backline’s attacking potential.

While the Eagles ultimately ran away with the contest, there were positive individual performances throughout the Royals lineup. Kiahan Bellchambers led from the front in the forward exchanges, while Olivia Hillard’s organisation in the backs provided structure under pressure. Scrumhalf Luci Wilson’s service remained sharp throughout, and the defensive efforts of Lucy Russell and Emma Smith in the second row deserve particular mention.

The introduction of several players from the bench demonstrated the squad’s growing depth, with Niki Paterson and Niamh Smith making valuable contributions in difficult circumstances.

Head coach Darren Goodwin remained philosophical after the match, viewing the result as a valuable learning opportunity as the squad continues its development journey.

The coaching staff will use the coming week to review and refine the team’s structures ahead of Round 5, with particular focus on defensive patterns and maintaining possession under pressure. The squad’s resilience and commitment to improvement have been hallmarks of recent seasons, and this setback will only strengthen their resolve.

With the competition remaining wide open after four rounds, the Royals have ample opportunity to bounce back and demonstrate the qualities that have made them a respected force in ACT rugby. The team’s loyal supporters can be assured that this talented group will learn from the experience and return stronger for the challenges ahead.

The Royals Women return to training this week with renewed focus as they prepare for their Round 5 encounter next Saturday.

MATCH DETAILS

Try Scorers:
Royals: Ellie Burnett, Janiana Ravu
Eagles: Tilila Hifo (2), Makenna Ravouvou (2), Angelica Kavaliku-Skinner, Latanoa Taipaleti, Jasmine Kelley, Amy Rebera

Conversions:
Eagles: Olivia Scott (6/9)

TEAM LISTS

Canberra Royals Premier 15s:

1. Renee Didier
2. Name Withheld (replaced by Olivia Hillard)
3. Kiahan Bellchambers
4. Lucy Russell
5. Emma Smith
6. Niamh Smith
7. Niki Paterson
8. Ellie Burnett
9. Luci Wilson
10. Janiana Ravu
11. Bethany Robertson
12. Olivia Hillard
13. Unnamed player
14. Jane Phelps
15. Jade Bellchambers

Coach: Darren Goodwin
Assistant Coach: Justin Vandenbergh

Gungahlin Eagles Premier 15s:

1. Talina Driti (replaced by Samantha Chikirov)
2. Unnamed player
3. Tilila Hifo
4. Latanoa Taipaleti
5. Kolora Toga
6. Isabella Lo Re (replaced by Lisa Poulakis)
7. Lisa Poulakis
8. Olivia Scott
9. Amy Rebera
10. Unnamed player
11. Laura Cameron (replaced by chykhana westerlund)
12. Angelica Kavaliku-Skinner
13. Makenna Ravouvou
14. chykhana westerlund
15. Jasmine Kelley

Substitutes: Samantha Chikirov, Thervaini Ilolahia, Milly Patmore, Isabella Meere

Coach: Darragh O’byrne