The Western Force led for most of the match and had a late try disallowed to draw with the first-place Canterbury Crusaders 23-23 in a Super 14 rugby match on Friday.
Playing the final home game of their inaugural season before 30 000 spectators at Subiaco Oval, the Force had a try by Haig Sare disallowed with three minutes left.
The Force, winless coming into the match, took the lead within minutes on a Cameron Shepherd try, conceded a Mose Tuiali’i reply and then extended their advantage with a second try from Brock James.
Leading 20-8 with 20 minutes left, Leon MacDonald and Rico Gear scored tries for the Crusaders, who now have nine wins and a draw in 10 matches. — Sapa-AP
