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The Emirates Western Force have had their 2009 Investec Super 14 finals chances officially ended after a controversial one-point defeat to the Stormers at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town.
In a contest that was marred by poor handling and execution from both teams, it was the home side that prevailed after withstanding a strong second half fight back from the WA side.
Trailing 15-7 at the break, the visitors would have trailed by more but for an incredible gaffe from Stormers outside centre Dylan des Fountain who spilled the ball over the tryline after strolling over untouched in the right corner.
A second half double by Matt Giteau after James O’Connor’s brilliant solo effort to score in the first half helped the team to within one point, but in the end it wasn’t enough to secure the bonus point victory required to keep the side’s mathematical finals hopes alive.
Stormers fullback Joe Pietersen scored a double for his side, the second of which soaked in controversy after Ryan Cross was taken out of the defensive line by a Stormers player at the point of initial line break. The incident went undetected by the match officials and what was ultimately the decisive try in the match was awarded.
For the visitors, Matt Giteau finished with a 19-point haul from his two tries, 3 conversions and a penalty goal.
O’Connor, Ryan Cross and Matt Hodgson also stood out on a night that ended in heartbreak for the Perth-based outfit.
The Emirates Western Force will play the Highlanders in their final match of the 2009 season at Subiaco Oval next Saturday 16 May.
It will be an emotional week for the club, with a host of players set to play their final match in the ocean blue jersey.
The Perth-based side also has some injury concerns ahead of the clash, with prop Ben Castle (shoulder) and hooker Tai McIsaac (calf) both being forced from the field during the first half of tonight’s match.
By the clock:
2nd Min: Try to the Stormers scored by Joe Pietersen. Not converted by de Waal. Stormers lead 5-0.
16th Min: Try to the Stormers scored by Willem de Waal. Converted by de Waal. Stormers lead 12-0.
26th Min: Try to the Emirates Western Force scored by James O’Connor. Converted by Giteau. Stormers lead 12-7.
35th Min: Yellow card to the Stormers Tiaan Liebenberg.
37th Min: Penalty Goal to the Stormers kicked by de Waal. Stormers lead 15-7.
HALF TIME: Emirates Western Force 7 Stormers 15
46th Min: Penalty Goal to the Emirates Western Force kicked by Matt Giteau. Stormers lead 15-10.
62nd Min: Try to the Emirates Western Force scored by Matt Giteau. Converted by Giteau. Emirates Western Force lead 17-15.
66th Min: Penalty Goal to the Stormers kicked by de Waal. Stormers lead 18-17.
72nd Min: Try to the Stormers scored by Joe Pietersen. Converted by Peter Grant. Stormers lead 25-17.
76th Min: Try to the Emirates Western Force scored by Matt Giteau. Converted by Giteau. Stormers lead 25-24.
FULL TIME: Emirates Western Force 24 Stormers 25
Emirates Western Force 24 (Giteau (2), O’Connor tries; Giteau 3 cons, pen)
Stormers 25 (Pietersen (2), de Waal tries; De Waal con, 2 pens; Grant con)
Replacements –
25th Min: AJ Whalley replaces Ben Castle.
38th Min: Ben Whittaker replaces Tai McIsaac
71st Min: Josh Tatupu replaces James O’Connor
http://rugbywa.com.au/news/article,55660.html
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