Western Force maintain perfect start to Super Rugby W after downing Reds

The Western Force are well and truly on track to make the finals for the first time after posting a 24-14 win over the Queensland Reds at HBF Park.

The Force scored four tries to two against last year’s beaten grand finalists to improve their record to 2-0.

With four of the six teams to make finals and only three more regular-season games to go, the second-placed Force will probably only need one more win to lock up a finals berth.

Reds hooker Tiaran Molloy scored the opening try of Saturday’s match in the third minute, but the Force hit back to take a 14-7 lead into the break.

The highlight of the first half was a fast-moving 23m rolling maul from the Force that resulted in a try to hooker Sara Cline.

The Force’s powerful rolling maul again came to the fore in the 59th minute, with reserve hooker Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke on the end of the try this time around.

The Reds hit back seven minutes later when winger Ivania Wong made a break from inside her own half before dishing off to Caitlin Urwin to sprint 40m to the line.

Any nerves from the Force were eased in the 69th minute when substitute Siutiti Ma’ake flew over in the corner.

The Force suffered two injury blows in the second half, with winger Rosie McGehan helped off the field by two trainers with a painful knee injury, and former Black Ferns back-rower Pia Tapsell injuring her arm.