The Mandurah Storm men's team faced an uphill climb being pitted against the Alkimos Tigers, who are currently at the top of this season's ladder.
"We were missing three of our best forwards," club president Kane Geary said.
"But the boys did extremely well considering."
The team travelled from Mandurah to Hartfield Park in Forrestfield for the Val Murphy round on June 5, and unlike previous weeks, the weather held the sun for the entire game.
"Defense was put under pressure by the experienced Tigers pack," Geary said.
"We had Kane Briggs score his first try in his third ever game of rugby.
"That boy can run."
Disaster struck during the game when Storm player Sam Nash was injured, resulting in a few broken ribs.
"We're wishing him a speedy recovery. He had some broken ribs and had to have one of his lungs reinflated."
The Tigers took the win 38-12, but the Storm didn't let up, and defended fiercely to the end.
"Nic Hubbard once again led the way with defence, he always gives 100 per cent."
Uni Clarke and Kane Briggs were the try scorers of the game and Nic Hubbard was named player of the day.
The women's Storm seniors team also faced off against Alkimos, and while the tigers took the win with 30-0, the ladies took it as a milestone.
"The Storm girls took the game as a win. It was the best game they have played to date and their defense was great," Geary said.
The Tigers have cemented themselves as top players, and the Storm made it anything but easy for them.
"They didn't let the tries come easily for Alkimos - they should all be incredibly proud of themselves."
The 'players player' of the game voted in by teammates was Kym Barber.
In the next round, the Storm will hold home games at the Ocean Road Pavilion.