The Royals secured a 26-12 victory over the defiant Uni-North Owls at Phillip Oval in the second round clash.

While Condi admitted it was a less-than-perfect performance, he was impressed with his team's ability to grind out a tight win.

''The first half we executed really well and were disciplined, but in the second half we fell off what we were supposed to do,'' Condi said.

''Last year in games like that, when the intensity was up, we would have dropped off at times and not been able to grind it out.''

Royals skipped to a 14-0 lead after the first 15 minutes and threatened to demolish the Owls.

Giant ACT Brumbies back-rower Sitaleki Timani was damaging in defence and attack but both sides struggled to assert dominance.

The Owls mounted a spirited second-half fightback and threatened to steal the match when they clawed to within seven points.

However, injuries and handling errors hindered their comeback and Royals lock Kerian Greialish crashed over to ensure the 14-point win. The Owls finished as wooden spooners last season and coach Patricio Noriega said his side needed to be consistent.

''At the moment we have some lack of concentration in some parts and that lets us down in consistency,'' Noriega said. ''We need to work on that and make sure we're on it for 80 minutes.''

It was the Owls first loss of the season after beating Gungahlin last weekend.

Injuries may cripple their start to the season with fullback Michael Breen one of three key players expected to watch from the sideline this week.

Breen suffered a suspected ruptured ACL while flanker Bhiamie Williamson and halfback Robbie Lavery left the field before half-time.

Meanwhile, Gungahlin halfback Anthony Dawes kicked a penalty goal with two minutes remaining to lift his side to a 12-11 win over defending premier Queanbeyan.

Queanbeyan scored a try with five minutes left to take an 11-9 lead but Gungahlin regained possession from the kick-off to score a one-point victory.