Blues edge past Force in a tight contest

Force 13-17 Blues, NIB Stadium
Scorecard

Western Force's second-half surge proved inadequate as Blues managed to secure a narrow four-point margin victory in the Super Rugby clash at NIB Stadium in Perth on Saturday.

Fly-half Ian Prior (11') scored a penalty to help Force open its account. However, the Blues completely took charge for the remainder of the first-half by scoring 17 points.

Ihaia West evened the scoreboard with a penalty on the 14th minute. Flanker Jerome Kaino crossed over for the first try of the game in the 25th minute, which was promptly converted by West.

Wing Tevita Li registered the second try of the game for Blues on the 31st minute as West once again successfully managed to add the extras.

With a 14-point deficit, The Australian side came all guns blazing for the second-half. Flanker Matt Hodgson scored the first try for the home team in the 53rd minute as centre Ben Tapuai scored the conversion.

Tapuai scored a vital penalty in the 63rd minute and brought the trail down to just four points with 17 minutes left in the game.

The Blues however, managed to spoil Force's party with some exceptional defence despite a 77th minute yellow card, which saw Blues Nic Mayhew sent to sin-bin.

In the last round ahead of the international break, Force will face the Rebels in Melbourne on Sunday 29th of May whereas the Blues will take on the Crusaders at home on on Saturday 28th of May.