Force could not land killer blow

 

The Force held a 10-8 lead at the half-time break, before the visitors responded with 16 points in the final half-an-hour of the match – to claim the nine-point (24-15) victory.

 

Despite scoring two tries apiece, it was ultimately the boot of Joe Pietersen that proved the difference – with the Cheetahs flyhalf kicking 14 points for the match.

  

Sias Ebersohn controlled the game for periods with a strong kicking game in the greasy conditions, while Adam Coleman continued his strong form by constantly making ground against the South African opposition with his powerful ball carrying.

 

Coach Michael Foley was frustrated by the fact that his team were dominant, especially in the first half, but failed to convert it into victory.

 

“We had to finish them off," Foley said.

 

"We had our foot on their throat and we didn’t do that – finish them off. 

 

"That’s the frustrating part when you think about the way we played physically in the wet early.

 

"We certainly played with good endeavour and worked our way down there and scored a try.

 

"We were playing positively. In the second half we came out and did exactly what we wanted to do and got the result from it, but not being able to push ahead from there is what creates the frustration.

 

"It’s about recognising that simply doing the basics well when you’re on top and creating more pressure will create more points and you’ll eventually finish over the top.

 

"There were some things there that we didn’t need to look for, we just needed to keep the pressure on and complete control of the game.

 

“The only way you can send a message to people is through actions. For all the work that is going on, we’ve got to turn that into a performance for them next week.”

 

Sam Wykes, Western Force captain, was similarly disappointed that his team was not able to land the killer blow.

 

“We didn’t play for the full 80," Wykes said.

 

"We played well for about 50 minutes and it was disappointing that some turnover ball really cost us there.

 

"We’re definitely disappointed that we haven’t got the results this year but one thing this team will always do is keep fighting. 

 

"Whatever external pressure there is, we’ll keep fighting.

 

"We’ll turn up on Monday ready to go again, I’ve got no doubt in my mind. The mood’s always going to be strong because we’ve got a great bunch of boys. 

 

"We really want to do well and it really hurts us that we didn’t get the result for the people that have been so loyal to us, but we’ll keep fighting.”