Brothers maintain their strong grasp at the top of the Queensland Premier Rugby ladder after a thrilling 36-28 victory over GPS in round 14 on Saturday.
Being a tight game from the onset, both Brothers and GPS showcased their skills and ensured that the large Crosby Park crowd were in for a treat.
Brothers got off to a shaky start, with their attack occasionally lacking support and a brief lull in defence which was capitalised on by the visitors who scored a try in the opening minutes.
The Brethren were quick to turn this around though, with winger Lachlan Creighton executing a skilful hit and in turn prevented a second try from being conceded in the 18th minute.
Brothers’ Damon Murphy had an outstanding game, playing a large role in setting up all five of the Brethren’s tries. The fast-moving combination of Creighton and Murphy worked particularly well in the first half and this was able to be transferred to the scoreboard, with tries from prop Kirwin Sanday and Creighton.
GPS coach Shane Arnold was happy with his team’s efforts and acknowledged the talent of the Brothers backline, “I think the boys’ effort and attitude was there but Brothers had a lot of talent out wide and they used it smartly and were able to execute really well.”
The backline was further enhanced with Reds winger Dom Shipperley coming on for the Brethren in the second half.
The boot of Aporosa Tuqiri was almost right on the mark throughout the match and his skilful execution of various penalty goals almost levelled the score at various points.
GPS had a strong, fast-moving backline that proved to be dangerous near the try-line. When the score was a tight 28-23 to Brothers in the second half, a smooth intercept and break from GPS presented an opportunity to level the score but Brothers’ defence held strong and stopped the Gallopers just before the line.
GPS’s quest to cross the line once more was fulfilled at the final siren through a break in Brothers’ defence.
Brothers coach Matt Kaye was pleased with the result and the team’s current position but believes that the conceded tries were preventable.
“It was a very physical game and every week is going to be physical –GPS played really well and we made a few errors so we just need to keep building and improving from here,” Kaye said.
With a bonus point also being awarded after a try from Damon Murphy, Brothers will remain at the top of the ladder and battle it out against University next week. GPS will be aiming to keep their finals hopes alive with a clash against the Gold Coast next Saturday.
By Rebecca Thompson