Byron’s late touchdown keeps Force hopes alive
THE Western Force will be relying on their Australian compatriots the Melbourne Rebels today after the Perth-based side beat the Hurricanes 27-22 to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Byron Ralston’s 74thminute winner secured the Force’s first win at their home ground – HBF Park – all season to reward their loyal fans.
Ralston said: “We’re delighted to have done it for our supporters and it’s a true testament to the team. It’s been a tough year for us but we’re so overwhelmed to get the job done today and hopefully we can roll into next week.”
Josh Moorby’s quickfire brace and Brayden Iose’s try put the Hurricanes in the ascendancy before Santiago Medrano hit back on the stroke of half-time.
Andrew Ready put the home side ahead before Salesi Rayasi acrobatically dived over in the corner for an impressive finish that looked to have secured the win.
However, Ralston had other ideas and touched down for the winner after quick hands by the Force backline.
Earlier in the week, the Force secured a vital seven-try 48-28 victory over Moana Pasifika in a rearranged game on Tuesday.
Moana Pasifika produced one of the upsets of the season, stunning the Brumbies to close their debut campaign out with a 32-22 victory.
The bottom side overcame an early red card to captain Sekope Kepu to topple one of the title frontrunners through scores by William Havili, Joe Apokota, Lotu Inisi and a penalty try.
Despite tries from Connal McInerney, Lachlan Lonergan and Pete Samu, the loss denies the
Brumbies a third-place finish.
Fijian Drua came close to finishing their first season with a win but went down 35-34 to the Chiefs.
The Chiefs led 35-13 with only 14 minutes remaining in the match but Fijian Drua launched a comeback, scoring three tries in 10 minutes through Joe Ravouvou, Apisalome Vota and Timoci Sauvoli to set up a grandstand finish.
However, the Chiefs just held on to the vital points they needed to ensure a finish among the top four teams.
The Crusaders cemented second place with a 28-15 victory over the Queensland Reds in an appetiser for next weekend’s quarter-final back at Orangetheory Stadium.
Scott Robertson’s side raced into an early 14-0 lead through converted tries by Fraser Burke and Will Jordan.
Brodie McAlister scored before half-time, but Pablo Matera was yellow carded
for a dangerous clean out that could have seen him shown red and Richie Asiata pounced by scoring the Reds first try.
Tom Christie sealed the win with his touchdown before Harry Wilson crossed for a late consolation score for the visitors, who finished seventh.
Another week, another clutch drop goal from the Blues, who secured a club record 13th win with a 2017 victory over the Waratahs.
This time it was Zarn Sullivan’s left boot from deep that broke the hearts of NSW fans and the upset loss means the sixthplaced Waratahs will have to travel to Hamilton to play the third-placed Chiefs next Saturday.
This morning’s game sees the eliminated Melbourne Rebels host the Highlanders, who need just a bonus point to seal the final play-off spot.