Western Force claim Pacific Series with win over Fijian Latui

Sat, Jun 22, 2019, 12:15 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
The Force beat out the Fijian Latui. Photo: Getty Images
The Force beat out the Fijian Latui. Photo: Getty Images

The Western Force have claimed the Rapid Rugby Pacific Series after a 45-24 win over the Fijian Latui.

That win completed a clean sweep for the Force who are undefeated in the Rapid Rugby competition this season.

Speedster Rod Davies had the opener for the hosts on Friday night, setting the tone for a helter skelter encounter, before the Latui replied with a penalty goal.

Johan Bardoul had a second for the Force to keep the visitors at arm's length and then Andrew Deegan gave the WA outfit another seven points with his own converted score.

That margin didn't last long with Malele Tikotani hitting back for Fiji and when Luke Tagi scored the gap was whittled down to just four points.

Henry Taefu gave the Force another try right on the stroke of half-time to give them some breathing space going into the break.

A power try for Fijian John Stewart quickly wiped off some of their deficit but Brynard Stander manufactured another five-pointer for the Force to keep them rolling on.

UWA rookie Rory O'Sullivan made the most of his opportunity with a debut try for the Force and Clay Uyen sealed the win with the final try of the match.

The Force take on a yet-to-be confirmed outfit in August this year but that match ends the 2019 Global Rapid Rugby season.

RESULT

Force 45

Tries: Davies, Bardoul, Deegan, Taefu, Stander, O'Sullivan, Uyen

Cons: Deegan 4, Power

Fijian Latui 24

Power Try: Stewart

Tries: Tikotani, Tagi

Cons: Waqatabu

Pens: Waqatabu

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