Force bitten by a second-half Sharks comeback in Perth
Sharks produced a dominant second-half comeback to beat Western Force 23-13 in Perth on Friday.
Last Updated: 17/05/13 3:11pm
The Force enjoyed more than 80 per cent of the possession in the opening 10 minutes and were awarded a penalty after 12 phases of play which Jayden Hayward successful kicked to open the scoring.
It was half way through the first period before the Sharks started to find their feet as they began to make territory with Keegan Daniel shrugging off a Sias Ebersohn tackle to cross the line and take the lead.
Back in possession the Force once again made progress into Sharks territory before Chris Alcock attempted a grubber kick which found touch.
The Force won the subsequent lineout before Kyle Godwin slipped through the Sharks defence to score their first try of the game and take a 10-7 lead into the interval.
A rejuvenated Sharks side came back in the second period with Patrick Lambie kicking two early penalties to give the visitors the lead.
Force began to show signs of weakness as the Sharks turned over the ball to release Riaan Viljoen who slipped through the defence to touch down before Lambie successfully converted.
A lack of discipline from the hosts presented further opportunity for fly-half Lambie as another penalty gave the Sharks a 10 point advantage.
With time running out the Force charged into Sharks territory but were denied a try when Brett Sheehan was held up on the line.
Victory means the Sharks move within a point of the Waratahs who currently occupy eighth spot in the Super Rugby standings.