The Western Force kicked off their preparations for the 2020 Global Rapid Rugby competition with a 29-15 win over the Eastwood Rugby Club from Sydney in a warm-up match.
The Force scored five tries to three and held their opponents scoreless in the second half after leading 19-15 at half time.
With running substitutions in a match played over four 20-minute quarters, the fixture provided an opportunity for the full squad to have a run.
It also allowed coach Tim Sampson the chance to get a good look at his charges in match conditions and test different combinations in the forwards and backs.
The Force conceded an early try but bounced back quickly with a converted try of their own through centre Henry Taefu, giving them the lead.
They extended their advantage near the end of the first quarter, adding a second try by hooker Feleti Kaitu’u, after a strong rolling mall from a lineout, which would have pleased their forwards coach, Van Humphries.
Eastwood grabbed a second five-pointer just before quarter-time giving the Force a slim 12-10 lead.
Midway through the second quarter, the Force turned over possession for Taefu to add their third try, extending their advantage to 19-10.
Sustained pressure by Eastwood in the closing stages of the quarter was rewarded with their third try, giving the Force a 19-15 half-time lead.
The Force started the second half strongly, dominating and controlling possession and putting Eastwood on the back foot.
They were rewarded when centre Jake Strachan went over in the corner to move the score to 24-15 and give the hosts a nine-point buffer going into the final quarter.
In control of the game and with effective use of rolling substitutions, the Force upped the intensity in the final quarter with quick recycling and strong ball carrying giving their attack momentum.
The Eastwood line was eventually breached when centre Brad Lacey rounded off from a cheeky grubber behind the defence, moving the score to 29-15.
With their second-half dominance telling, the Force launched a final assault at the Eastwood line in the dying stages but they were unable to add to their tally.
The coach will be satisfied with the first hit-out of the season and a good idea of areas that need improving ahead of their Rapid Rugby debut on March 14.
