NRC: Force strike down Rays and push to second position

Sun, Sep 30, 2018, 9:00 AM
Montanna Clare
by Montanna Clare
Force push into second spot on the ladder after defeating the Sydney Rays. Photo: Getty Images.
Force push into second spot on the ladder after defeating the Sydney Rays. Photo: Getty Images.

The Western Force have pushed their way to second position after an incredible 63 -15 win over the Sydney Rays in Perth.

The home side's front pack was an unstoppable force that the Rays could not compete with, and the dominant display of defence will be hard for any team to crack.

While the Rays showed signs of improvement and lead in the first 20 minutes of the match, the Westerners piled a total of nine tries on the Sydney side.

The Rays were the first to score with a precision pass from Curtis Rona that popped over to Tim Clements on the wing for a corner try.

The Sydney Rays were given another opportunity in the form of a penalty to put some early points on the board, as Will Harrison kicked straight through the sticks, the Rays leading by eight points 18 minutes in.

However, even with Jack McGregor in the bin for a shoulder charge, the Force were able to hit back against the Rays.

The home side pulled off an incredible rolling maul from 30 metres out, with Force stalwart Heath Tessman crashing over for their first points.

The Force proved just how strong their front pack is, as they struck the Rays again with a rolling maul that ended in a penalty try, the Force suddenly up 14 – 8.

Both teams found themselves missing a man as front rower Matt Sandel was sent off for the Rays.

Force fullback McGregor immediately made his mark when he came back from being in the bin as he executed a chip and chase perfectly to score a try.

Ian Prior’s successful conversion topped the Force off with a 13-point lead going into the second half.

Jack McGregor scored a double for the Force. Photo: Getty ImagesThe second half was off to a cracking start when McGregor scored a double for the Force.

McGregor chipped the ball off his boot which was chased down by Rod Davies who settled and returned it back to McGregor to cross over.

Brynard Stander was standout for the Force all day and scored off the back of a scrum 10 minutes into the second half.

The Force had unstoppable front pack that once again trampled the Rays with their rolling maul, Heath Tessman crossing over for a double.

Ian Prior, who had an outstanding one hundred per cent kicking rate all day, scored his own try off the back of a scrum from a chip and chase.

Isaac Fines from the Force wanted a piece of the try scoring action as he cracked the half century for the home side, the score 54 – 8.

The Rays refused to concede defeat as Captain and Wallaby Jack Dempsey crossed straight underneath the posts for his teams’ second and last try of the match.

The Force put one more try on the Rays for good measure, Iona scoring the ninth try for the westerners.

The Rays were left winless again after round five, and take on Queensland Country next Saturday at Bond University.

The Force will go up against Melbourne Rising next Sunday to close out round six.

Check out todays stats here. 

Results

Force 63

Tries: Tessman 2, Penalty, McGregor 2, Stander, Prior, Fines, Iona

Cons: Prior 7, Grant 

Sydney 15

Tries: Clements, Dempsey

Cons: O'Shea

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