Premiers Perth-Bayswater blasted Soaks off Allen Park with a ferocious early onslaught, scoring a point a minute to lead 17-0 after 17 minutes, and going on to win 29-19 after weathering a strong comeback by the home side in the second spell.
It took the premiers just five minutes to get on the scoreboard, screwing a Soaks scrum on the 22 then charging up with quick phases, the forwards driving halfback Sam Moon over for a try beside the posts. Lock Jock Stanley converted from point blank range. Five minutes later, Perth was in again, Western Force number eight Scott Fardy stealing ruck ball and breaking through to set up wing Cole Unasa for the try out wide. The conversion missed but the premiers were in charge at 12-0. Perth-Bayswater kept the pressure on, working the ball through the forwards and turning Soaks around with long kicks. The ball was driven up from a Perth-Bayswater penalty lineout five metres out after 17 minutes, a series of pick and drives resulting in Fardy spearing over for the try. Soaks stayed with their task, trying to run the ball wide and from a penalty took play downfield to score under the posts after 28 minutes. The try was converted to give Soaks a glimmer at 17-7. Soaks dominated possession in the closing stages of the half and scored again after another back line movement from a tap penalty. The points kept coming a minute later when Perth-Bayswater swept the ball wide and wing Nathan Hunt grubber kicked ahead, dropping on the ball in goal to score, taking the visitors ahead 22-12. Black stayed on attack and Soaks' prop was yellow carded just before half time as the home teamcommitted repeated infringements in defence.
Soaks were first on the board in the second spell, another tap penalty leading to a quick blind side break and try by their left wing. The try was converted and Soaks were right back in it at 22-19, the high-paced game up for grabs although neither team could build much continuity with a constant flow of free kicks. Associates increasingly dominated territory, locking the premiers in their half and running repeated attacking phases. However, Perth-Bayswater’s defence was firm and the home side was unable to capitalise on a feast of possession. Instead , Perth-Bayswater staged a rare breakout with eight minutes on the clock, reserve flanker Nathan Swayne busting through to set up Fardy for his second try, in the corner. Fardy converted from the sideline for a buffer at 29-19. Perth-Bayswater lifted, stealing turnovers and taking the game to Soaks for the final minutes and although Soaks came back for one last attack, the final whistle prevented any further score.
Coach John Taylor congratulated his forward pack after the game for their dominance in the first 25 minutes, and the back line for their solid defence that kept Soaks at bay for much of the second half. JT said that he had never beaten Soaks on their home ground and that fired the team up for a big start to the game.
