FORCE CLAIMS 66-POINT WIN IN PRE-SEASON OPENER

Feb 8 • General News, Super Rugby • 2017 Views • Comments Off on FORCE CLAIMS 66-POINT WIN IN PRE-SEASON OPENER

The Western Force has kicked off their pre-season fixtures with a strong 69-3 win over Samoa A at Lark Hill Sports Complex in Rockingham tonight.

The Force shared their 11 tries throughout the team, with new recruit Luke Morahan the only multiple try scorer, touching down for two tries from fullback.

The home side was provided with continual front-foot ball on the back of countless barnstorming runs from No.8’s Ben McCalman and Brynard Stander, while inside centre Kyle Godwin continued to put his side within attacking range through a number of incisive runs down the left hand side.

Running into a stiff first-half breeze, the Western Force amounted a 19-3 lead after the first two quarters before accelerating through the back half of the match, touching down for another eight tries.

In blustery conditions and in front of a 2,000-strong crowd, it was the Samoans who drew first blood through a Ki Anufe penalty goal.
However, it would be the last time the Force would concede points with No.8 Ben McCalman putting scrumhalf Alby Mathewson over for his side’s first try of 2014 on the stroke of quarter time.

A long range counter attack, started and finished by fullback Jayden Hayward, and an unstoppable McCalman run from the back of a tighthead scrum extended the Force’s lead to 19-3 at the half-time break.

While Head Coach Michael Foley opted to make a series of changes at the interval, it did nothing to stop his side’s momentum with the Force scrum drawing an early penalty try, Ed Stubbs and Pek Cowan both crossing, and a rampant Stander helping to set up Patrick Dellit with the winger scoring untouched in the corner.

Leading by 42 points leading into the final quarter, the Force completed the rout with Morahan’s double, Stander dotting down from the back of the scrum and young outside back Dylan Sage showing significant pace to run around the Samoan defence and score under the posts.

The Force will complete their pre-season preparations against the Pampas XV next Friday at The Force Field’ (nib Stadium).

Tickets can be purchased from ticketmaster.com.au.

2014 Super Rugby – Pre-Season
Friday, 7 February at Lark Hill Sports Complex, Rockingham
Kick-off: 7.30pm

Western Force 69 (Luke Morahan 2, Alby Mathewson, Jayden Hayward, Ben McCalman, Ed Stubbs, Pek Cowan, Patrick Dellit, Brynard Stander, Dylan Sage tries; penalty try; Jayden Hayward 2, Zack Holmes 3, Sias Ebersohn 2 conversions) defeat Samoa A 3 (Ki Anufe penalty)
Referee: Andrew Lees