FORCE A CLAIMS OPENING WIN OF PACIFIC RUGBY CUP
Force A has opened its Pacific Rugby Cup campaign with a 29-23 win over Reds A at Perth’s Aquinas College this evening.
The home side claimed the victory despite being outscored three-tries-to-two, with the boot of Jayden Hayward proving the difference, with the fullback kicking seven from eight attempts in a composed all-round performance.
Scrumhalf Ryan Louwrens was also strong for Force A, Luke Burton was tireless in defence in the midfield, while back-rowers Kane Koteka and Richard Hardwick were also busy in the win.
“We probably didn’t execute as well as we would have liked and gave away too much possession,” he said.
“In saying that, our defence on our own line for 10 to15 minutes was outstanding, particularly against a team set on scoring. That was probably the pleasing thing about our performance – the tactical areas we can work on but having ticker like that can’t be coached.”
Hayward and Queensland flyhalf Same Greene traded early penalty goals with Force A holding a 6-3 advantage, before the Reds A playmaker capitalised on sustained pressure when he dummied and fell over the line to score the opening try.
Hayward countered Greene’s conversion with two late penalty goals to afford his side a 12-10 lead at the break.
While the Queensland playmaker drew first blood in the second term with a straightforward penalty, Force A stole back the lead when a rampaging Chris Heiberg set up Hayward under the posts before lock Phoenix Battye pick-and-drove over the try line from close range.
Trailing 26-13, the visitors responded with two quick tries of their own when No.8 Tim Buchanan touched down for a pushover try from a strong Queensland scrum, with captain Curtis Browning adding another of his own when he shook of two defenders to score.
Holding a narrow 26-23 lead the Force repelled countless waves of Reds A attack for 15 minutes before another Hayward penalty goal just inside his attacking half sealed the six-point victory.
Force A will next face Japan at the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) prior to the Western Force’s clash against the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday, 8 March.
Pacific Rugby Cup
Friday, 21 February 2014 at Aquinas College, Perth
Force A 29 (Jayden Hayward, Phoenix Battye tries; Jayden Hayward 2 conversions, 5 penalties) defeated Reds A 23 (Sam Greene, Tim Buchanan, Curtis Browning tries; Sam Greene 1 conversion, 2 penalties) at Aquinas College, Perth.
Force A
1. Francois van Wyk, 2. Robbie Abel, 3. Salesi Manu, 4. Rory Walton, 5. Phoenix Battye, 6. Corey Thomas, 7. Kane Koteka, 8. Richard Hardwick, 9. Ryan Louwrens, 10. Dillyn Leyds, 11. Ed Stubbs, 12. Luke Burton, 13. Chris Tuatara-Morrison (c), 14. Dylan Sage, 15. Jayden Hayward. Res: 16. Harry Scoble, 17. Joe Savage, 18. Chris Heiberg, 19. Ross Haylett-Petty, 20. Adrian Hall, 21. Angus Taylor, 22. Dane Haylett-Petty, 23. Brad Lacey.
Reds A
1. Pettowa Paraka, 2. Andrew Ready, 3. Albert Anae, 4. Dave McDuling, 5. Blake Enever, 6. Curtis Browning (c), 7. Michael Gunn, 8. Tim Buchanan, 9. Scott Gale, 10. Sam Greene, 11. Chris Kuridrani, 12. Sam Johnson, 13. Kimami Sitauti, 14. Rod Davies, 15. Jonah Placid. Res: 16. Feleti Kaitu’u, 17. Sef Fa’agase, 18. Phil Kite, 19. Adam Korczyk, 20. Lolo Fakaosilea, 21. Nigel Genia, 22. Nigel Ah Wong, 23. Tom Banks.
Referee: Will Houston
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