The Western Force has fallen short against the ACT Brumbies Women in Canberra by a narrow eight points in a gutsy, hard-fought performance (27-19).
Both teams started strong, but it was the Brumbies who took the first points nine minutes into the game with a penalty try that saw the Force's Sera Ah Sam sent off with a yellow card.
With just 14 women on the field, the Force defensive structure kicked into place, holding off repeated Brumbies attacks and denying them the opportunity to take advantage of their extra player.
Known for her ability to think and act quickly, Anneka Stephens lit a spark when she intercepted a Brumbies pass to push the Force down the field. After continuous phases, Aiysha Wigley charged over the try line, only to be held up by the Brumbies defence.
Not satisfied, the Force marched on with Mahalia Ellis this time diving over, only denied once more as the seemingly unmoveable Brumbies held up yet another try.
In classic Force style and unwavering determination, the women went again before a Brumbies error just metres from the try line gave fullback Turiti Galiki the opportunity to dodge numerous tacklers and add points to the board. Nicole Ledington was successful with the conversion.
With the points now levelled at 7 a piece, both teams fought to hold dominance in the game.
The Brumbies re-started with power, pushing ahead to score another try, this time denied by the Force. A brilliant surge of defensive energy saw the Force push back against the Canberra side, claiming the third held up try of the game.
However, it wasn't long before the Brumbies took back the lead after a dangerous tackle from Keira MacAskill awarded them a penalty goal opportunity right in front of the sticks adding a further three points Canberra side.
With just about a minute to go before the halftime siren, the Brumbies make one more push forward as a pick and go resulted in Grace Kemp scoring a try to finish that half 15-7.
The second half started with a great deal of energy from both sides, the Brumbies attack putting considerable pressure on the Force defence before their captain Rebecca Smyth slips through to score a try.
Unaffected by the Brumbies' lead and motivated by the desire to prove themselves, the Force women continued to display exciting running rugby. The combination of Wallaroos Ariana Hira-Herangi and Trilleen Pomare caused havoc for the Brumbies' defence.
It wasn't long before the Force had put themselves back into position to score as Zakiya Kereopa looked to have gotten over the line, a try denied as her foot narrowly went into touch.
But the Brumbies were unable to keep the young mum from having her say. Kereopa was back again just minutes later, this time staying in field and fighting through a tackle to put the ball down. With Ledington's successful conversion, the lead had narrowed to 20-12.
The Force luck was about to turn as Stephens was awarded a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. The second time in the game that the team played with just 14 players.
However, it wasn't until the group with back with the full XV that the Brumbies slipped through the Force defence as Halley Derera extended the lead with a try.
With three minutes to go, the game was far from over for the Force. The women continued their attacking prowess as Darryl Wickliffe picks up the ball from the base of the ruck and charges through. Successfully converted by Ledington.
Despite falling short on the points board, the team displayed many exciting signs for womens' rugby in WA. Their final game of the season will be played at HBF Park next Friday as they take on the Melbourne Rebels at 7.45pm AWST.
