The Western Force opened their Super W campaign with an entertaining 17-17 draw against the President’s XV at C.ex Stadium in Coffs Harbour.
In the club’s first Super W match since 2018, both sides fought an intense battle, with Wallaroo centre Ariana Hira-Herangi influential throughout the contest.
The Force burst out of the blocks with strong ball retention and a classy offload from Hira-Herangi opening up a chance for winger Paihau Pomare, who powered her way over for the opening try of the Super W campaign after just seven minutes. Jessica Henry missed the conversion to leave the score at 5-0.
Katie Barnes doubled the Force’s lead to 10-0 three minutes later, with the lock touching over following a rolling maul. Henry was unsuccessful with her conversion attempt.
President’s XV fought back with a well-executed try from Jasmin Huriwai, who latched onto a kick upfield from Isla Norman-Bell to halve the deficit with 36 minutes played swiftly after Force flanker Anneka Stephens was shown a yellow card. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful from Tylah Vallance to leave the scores at 10-5 at half time in favour of the Force.
The Force extended their advantage to 12 points early in the second half, with Moana Paul making the most of Hira-Herangi’s superb offload to cross over for the club’s third try of the day. Nicole Ledington converted to give the Force a 17-5 lead after 59 minutes.
The President’s XV again shifted the momentum, with Jemima McCalman scoring two quickfire tries in the 63rd and 67th minute. McCalman’s second try was converted by Candice Clay to even the scores at 17-17 to set up an epic finish.
Both defences stood firm in the closing stages despite chances at each end, as it ended all square at 17-17 with the points shared between the two sides.
The Force take on the NSW Waratahs in their next match this Sunday from 1pm. You can catch all the action live on Stan Sport.
Scorers:
Western Force – Tries: Paihau Pomare, Katie Barnes, Moana. Conversion: Nicole Ledington.
President’s XV – Tries: Jasmine Huriwai, Jemima McCalman (2). Conversion: Candice Clay.
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