Brumbies flyhalf Faitala Moleka faced a bittersweet end on Saturday as she missed a crucial penalty kick after the final whistle, resulting in a dramatic 29-29 draw against the Western Force in Perth during the Super W match.
The thrilling contest came to a head when Western Force substitute Sammy Treherne scored a late try in the 79th minute, helping narrow the score to a mere two points. Nicole Ledington, with her cool composure, slotted the sideline conversion to equalize and set the stage for a tense finish.
Moleka was given a chance to secure victory for her team just moments after the restart when the Force conceded a penalty. With an opportunity to kick from 36 meters at a 40-degree angle, she unfortunately misfired, sending the ball wide to the left and ensuring a share of the spoils instead of a win for the Brumbies.
The match saw a dynamic opening half in which the Brumbies surged ahead with four tries to the Force’s two, heading into halftime with a comfortable 26-17 lead. Meranie Paraone’s early try ignited the Brumbies’ scoring, but the Force responded quickly, with notable efforts from Brooklyn Teki Joyce and Cecilia Smith allowing them to take an early lead.
The dynamics shifted when Force’s Smith received a yellow card, allowing the Brumbies, particularly through winger Biola Dawa, to capitalize on their numerical advantage. However, the second half turned into a defensive battle, with the match ultimately culminating in the dramatic closing moments.
Both teams showcased the high level of competition typical of the Super W, and while the Brumbies may be disappointed not to have secured the win, the match reflected the league’s competitive spirit and potential for exciting encounters ahead this season.
Fans can look forward to more thrilling games, as both teams continue to develop their strategies and players aiming for top form throughout the competition.
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