Australia's newest rugby franchise showed it would be a force to be reckoned with in its debut season after the Western Force narrowly went down 29-19 to the Central Cheetahs in a Super 14 trial match in Perth.

Without any of their Wallaby recruits and with 19 Super 14 rookies getting their first run, the Force could have been excused for a heavy defeat to Rassie Erasmus' full-strength squad.

However the manner in which John Mitchell's band of rookies and imports handled themselves would be as pleasing to the club as the 17,055 who packed into Subiaco Oval.

Coming off a 48-0 mauling of the Southern Spears last weekend, the Cheetahs boasted four incumbent Springboks in their line-up, with Meyer Bosman, Michael Claasens, Os du Randt and Juan Smith all on show.

By contrast the Force included former water polo player Tai McIsaac, former soccer player Zander Peden and ex-NRL centre Josh Graham in their ranks.

Despite the disparity in experience, the Force had the better of the initial exchanges, with the boot of Brock James holding sway.

After a steepling cross kick just evaded Gavin DeBartolo on the left wing, another clever chip by the 24 year-old five-eighth split the Cheetahs' backline.

With full back James Hilgendorf favourite to touch down the bouncing ball, a deliberate obstruction by the retreating Cheetahs defender prompted referee Paul Marks to make history by awarding a penalty try as the Force's first five pointer.

After a Bosman penalty goal reduced the Cheetahs' advantage, the Force continued their stellar start, with a quick break by halfback Chris Oblong creating space for number eight Tim Davidson to pile over.

In the second quarter, the early season backline skills of the Force continued to impress, until a set move from a Cheetahs' line out saw skipper Smith charge over and cut the deficit to one at half time.

Another Bosman penalty gave the Cheetahs their first lead of the night just after the break, but the Force's run-at-all-costs tactics paid more dividends, when slick handling saw Haig Sare scamper over in the corner.

With powerhouses du Randt and Trevor Leota introduced into the Cheetahs front row, the visitors pack began to exert its authority with a rolling maul sending over halfback Claasens.

Bosman kicked a succession of second half penalties to secure the result, but the Force's running endeavour continued until the game's final play.

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