A try by Isi Naisarani two minutes into “Super time” gave the Melbourne Rebels a sudden-death20 win over the Western Force in the AU domestic competition on Friday.
With the teams locked at 20-apiece at the end of normal time, the tie-breaker period was introduced and the Force fluffed the receipt of the kickoff, sparking a series of forays upfield that led to Naisarani going over and ending the deadlock.
Just before the end of time Reece Hodge narrowly failed in his attempt to kick a 60 metre penalty to win the game for the Rebels, as both teams struggled to gain an advantage over the other.
The loss left the Western Force winless in the competition thus far.
After a pretty eventless opening quarter it took a yellow card for Naisarani – for repeated infringements – to spark the game to life.
The loss of the Fijian meant that the Force’s rolling maul was unstoppable and scored the first try of the evening when it rumbled over to see Fergus Lee-Warner dot down for the try.
The Rebels managed to hit right back though through a clever lineout move which pivoted towards the front and used the blindside for hooker Jordan Uelese to barge over.
A late first half penalty by Hodge sent the teams in at 10-all at the break.
It was the Rebels who broke that deadlock 12 minutes into the second half with a Matt To’omua penalty before some excellent work in the middle punched a hole and sent the ball wide for Force winger Byron Ralston to motor down and score in the corner.
The Rebels hit back four minutes later when Matt Philip went over from close range.
Jono Lance got the teams level with a penalty in the 62nd minute and it stayed that way until extra time.
Scorers
Western Force – tries: Fergus Lee-Warner, Byron Ralston. Conversions: Jonno Lance (2). Penalties: Lance (2).
Melbourne Rebels – tries: Jordan Uelese, Matt Philip, Isi Naisarani. Conversions: Matt To’omua (2). Penalties: To’omua, Reece Hodge
