Rising Whites scrumhalf star Douch finished with a perfect record as Queanbeyan staked its claim to premiership favouritism in a tight 16-8 win against the Uni-Norths Owls.

Douch was lauded for his composure under pressure and a last-minute penalty rubbed salt into the Owls' wounds by denying them a bonus-point in defeat.

In the other change room, Owls back Sam Irwin was left shattered and contemplating post-match practice after missing two penalties and a conversion which would have catapulted the students up the ladder.

ACT Brumbies junior representative Douch proved the difference and coach Adam Fahey urged him to remain patient as he pursues a rugby career.

"He's going all right for someone who doesn't want to kick ... he's getting his confidence back and really enjoying his footy at the moment," Fahey said.

"He didn't miss, he won us the game and [the Owls] didn't get a bonus point. Mitch is 20 years old, he can pick himself up and he's got a long career ahead of him.

"Just because it's not happening at the moment doesn't mean it won't happen. Just look at [Brumbies and Wallabies flanker] Scott Fardy, he started when he was 28. [Douch] just has to stay confident and keep playing."

The usually reliable Irwin didn't have his radar working as he missed penalties in both halves and then a conversion of his own try that would have levelled the scores with time running out.

"Sammy's very reliable normally, he'll keep his confidence up because his boot will win us games in the future," said Owls coach Dan Hooper.

"He's got his kicking tee in his hand because he wants to practice. In the end it was a result that could have gone our way if a few different things fell our way."

The Owls and Whites were engaged in a brutal battle that was unfortunately littered with mistakes in a stop-start affair.

The Owls dominated the first 40 minutes but only held a three-point lead when Whites winger Jamie Marmont crashed over in the corner and Douch converted from the sideline to snatch a four-point lead at the break.

Neither team could break free in the second half, but Irwin barged over from close range to get within two points before Douch hammered the nail into the Owls' coffin with two late penalties.

The Whites are regarded by many as title favourites and they jump to the top of the ladder after beating the Owls. However, the game proved the Owls are now finals contenders.

The Owls, who haven't made the finals in almost a decade, lost to the Whites by one point earlier this season and were only sunk by late penalties on Saturday.

What made the Owls' performance even more impressive was the fact they played most of the second half with 14-men after their back-up lock was sent off.

"We've got a bogey team and Uni have an amazing ability to lift against us," said Fahey, who is also a former Owls coach.

"It was a ding-dong battle. Last year we would have lost that game but this year we're finding ways to win those tight ones."

Hooper said the eight-point loss wouldn't dent the Owls' confidence as they chased an elusive finals spot.

"We didn't score the points we should have in the first half ... it came back to bite us," Hooper said.

"It's comforting to know that we can foot it with the top teams, but losing that bonus point hurts."

AT A GLANCE

John I Dent Cup: QUEANBEYAN WHITES 16 (J Marmonth try; M Douch 3 penalties, conversion) bt UNI-NORTHS OWLS 8 (S Irwin try, penalty), GUNGAHLIN EAGLES 31 bt WESTS 24, ROYALS 45 bt EASTS 13.

Second grade: Queanbeyan Whites 43 bt Uni-Norths Owls 5, Gungahlin Eagles 37 bt Wests 22, Royals 46 bt Easts 0.

Women's: Royals 27 bt Uni-Norths Owls 5.

Colts: Queanbeyan Whites 45 bt Uni-Norths Owls 12, Gungahlin Eagles 25 bt Wests 17, Royals 82 bt Easts 5.

First division first grade: Gungahlin Eagles 32 bt Wests 12, Uni-Norths Owls 36 bt Queanbeyan Whites 35, Royals 36 bt Easts 5, Young 15 drew with Goulburn 15, Tuggeranong Vikings 24 bt ADFA 7, Hall 26 bt Cooma 8.

First division second grade: Wests 52 bt Gungahlin Eagles 7, Queanbeyan Whites 29 bt Uni-Norths Owls 24, Goulburn 20 bt Young 18, Tuggeranong Vikings 47 bt ADFA 10, Hall 29 bt Cooma 12.