It was an absolute arm wrestle as the Force took away their first win for the season rolling over the Melbourne Rebels by eight points at AAMI Park.
It was a wet weather outing in Melbourne, leading to some unpredictable rugby during round three of Super W as the Force took their first win since 2019 in the 5-13 clash.
The visitors started the game in style putting the hosts under immediate pressure through a barnstorming run from Martha Mataele that was delivered by a beautiful pop pass from Nicole Ledington sending her side 70 metres up the field.
With their tails up the ladies in black and gold looked eager to break the deadlock and get on the scoreboard first as front-rower Natsuki Kashiwagi was a key contributor to their early success.
Despite the Force’s early dominance, they were unable to convert it into points as the Rebels started to secure possession and gain territory to open up an opportunity for themselves.
Points came at a premium during in the clash as Ledington broke the nil-all deadlock just after the 30-minute mark putting her side up by three points with a penalty right in front of the sticks.
It didn’t take long for the Force to capitalise through Martha Mataele who scored her side’s first try of the afternoon which was well deserved after being the game’s clear standout player during the first 40 minutes.
As halftime hit the score sat at 0-8 and it was clear the weather was playing a big role in the game with both team’s trading possession regularly and finding it hard to settle into their motions.
It was clear the Force needed to get Martha Mataele more involved during the second half as she was extremely dangerous anytime she found the ball in space.
The rain continued to pour as the sides entered the field to start the second half. The Rebels switched up their approach coming into the second period, bringing the ball in close and putting the Force under pressure through their forwards.
However the Force’s defence continued to hold, championed by new recruit Michaela Leonard who’s work rate was outstanding throughout the game.
Some new faces also graced the field for the first-time including Leah Miles who’s come across the ditch from Matatū in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition to join the Force injecting herself into the backrow to start the second half.
After going down to 14-players the Force continued to hold strong denying the Rebels of any opportunity to score however not able to secure possession.
Melbourne was finally able to hit back and score their first try through a chip kick into the in-goal area that saw Kerri Johnson crash over.
It wasn’t long before the Force were able to hit back and open another opportunity for themselves to extend the lead, finding themselves only five metres from the try line.
After a beautifully taken lineout from Leonard they were able to drive over and give Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke her first try off the back of the rolling maul putting themselves up by eight points will only six minutes to play.
The Force looked strong as they kicked the ball into touch to finish the game as Michaela Leonard, Leah Miles and Martha Mataele all having match winning performances.
The win sets themselves up nicely to climb the Super W ladder poised to play defending champions the Fijiana Drua back at home next Sunday at UWA Sports Park.
Scorers
Rebels 5
Tries: Kerri Johnson
Western Force 13
Tries: Martha Mataele, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke Penalties: Nicole Ledington
