Brothers v Sunnybank Crosby Park 3:00pm - 4/7/2009
45	Round 14	12

Brothers returned to their devastating best with a 45-12 win over Sunnybank in blustery conditions at Crosby Park in Round 14 of Queensland Premier Rugby.

The Brethren drew inspiration from the return of former QR Reds flanker David Croft and hit their straps against the Dragons, whose finals hopes are now well and truly buried for 2009.

Brothers’ forward pack worked like a well-oiled machine providing the team with strong support and showcasing an outstanding display of football.

Coach Zane Hilton described the front row effort in particular as “heroic”.

“It was good to get the enthusiasm up and get out there today because the boys were really keen to play and I’m really happy with the result,” Hilton said.

“Crofty’s return gives the boys a lot of momentum but the boys who led the platform today are the front row.

“We’ve been working on that in terms of our scrummaging but those boys were heroic today.”

Although Sunnybank kept trying until the final whistle, the Brethren were unstoppable on their home turf.

Ben Lucas was one of the best for Sunnybank, who managed to match the Brethren try for try in the second half.

Coach Roy Saunders said the team had a very disruptive week but his team was too slow to start and Brothers were too quick off the mark.

“We had a period for about 15 minutes in the first half that was very poor, we did create some opportunities but we didn’t execute and turned over the ball and they (Brothers) scored at the other end – but that’s what they do best.

“The second half we matched them try for try right until the end but it’s kind of frustrating in a whole lot of senses but we’ve just got to stay together and get up next time.” 

Brothers 45 (S Hardman, T Jones, S Price, S Grasso, P Doneley, J Harvey, A McLean tries, D Murphy 5 cons) bt Sunnybank 12 (A Anae, K Mcfaial tries, B Lucas con)

Match report by Libby Armstrong