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The expanding depth of rugby talent in Western Australia was evident at McGillivray Oval on Friday evening as the Emirates Western Force ‘A’ side tackled Perth Gold in an energetic and entertaining clash which saw the ‘A’ side claim a 24-12 victory.
The Emirates Western Force ‘A’ comprised of pro-contracted players not part of the week one Super Rugby 22 as well as a number of exciting members of the Bankwest Academy while Perth Gold was a mixture of Bankwest Academy players and local grade players, all with the potential to take the next step in their rugby career.
The Emirates Western Force ‘A’ team dominated proceedings in the opening minutes of the game with Wanneroo youngster Ammon Matuauto crossing the line after just three minutes. The radar boot of 2010 PG Hampshire Award winner David Cloete made the conversion as the ‘A’ side looked to continue to capitalise on their positive momentum.
Not long after, new Emirates Western Force squad member Pat Dellit didn't need a second invitation to cross the line after a gap opened up in the Perth Gold defence.
The opening burst shook Perth Gold into action and the noticeable lift in intensity pressure around the ‘A’ team try line brought about the desired result when 16-year old Isaiah Mosese grounded the ball for his team’s first points of the game.
The see-saw affair swung back in favour of the Emirates Western Force ‘A’ when halfback Mark Swanepoel placed it between the posts and Cloete again converted to take the score to 19 – 5.
The ‘A’ players took confidence from that try and were again celebrating when young hooker Siliva Siliva further increased the lead after tumbling over the line.
To their credit the Gold side didn’t give up and looked to be the more dominant side in the closing stages. Impressive No.8 Nick Haining delivered a brilliant offload to Junior Gold Squad member Chance Peni who sprinted over for the try, Juan Pretorius successfully converting to make the final score line read 24 – 12.
Emirates Western Force ‘A’ Coach Andrew Scotney was pleased the team came away with the win after an intense training week.
“The Emirates Western Force players only combined with some of the other boys who represented the side for the first time this morning. At times the movement wasn’t as fluid as you’d like to see however the short preparation times had a fair bit to do with that and in the end it was nice to come away with the win,” Scotney said.
“Siliva was impressive tonight as was fellow front rower Paul Alo Emile. They really showed some great improvement from the trial matches played in NSW in the past week and a half.
“I was also impressed with Ammon Matuauto who played inside centre, he was probably one of the best on field and is a great talent. His development will only be enhanced by his involvement in matches like this and through his exposure to the Bankwest Academy.
RugbyWA Junior Elite coach and Perth Gold mentor, Dwayne Nestor, said the solid hit-out was a great learning experience and was happy with his team’s performance despite the loss.
“There was some great rugby played tonight in particular by some of the Academy players who really showed we have a lot of talent coming through the ranks,” Nestor said.
“Some of the young players were very good, guys like Chance Peni, who started in the midfield and then moved out to the wing, performed well while Nick Haining was very effective at Number 8.”
The two teams will again showcase their skills when Sydney Shute Shield side West Harbour head west in March.
Perth Gold v West Harbour – Wednesday 9 March
Emirates Western Force ‘A’ v West Harbour – Saturday 12 March
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