Brothers claim Queensland Premier title

Sun, Aug 7, 2016, 6:56 AM
Matt Lewis
by Matt Lewis
Winners. Brothers have claimed their first title since 2009. Photo: Meggie Whitchurch
Winners. Brothers have claimed their first title since 2009. Photo: Meggie Whitchurch

Brothers have knocked off UQ for the second time in three weeks to claim the Queensland Premier Rugby title, 31-28.

The Red Heavies went into the match as favourites having lost just one of their last 17 matches, but it was Brothers who took control of the match early.

Brothers captain Nathanuel Gentle crossed under the posts inside the opening five minutes to take an early 7-0 lead.

UQ hit back with two quick tries through Jack Cornelsen and James Dalgleish to take a 15-10 lead but the man who kicked Uni into the final, Tom Pincus, couldn't stretch the buffer.


Just a minute later Brothers regained the lead after winger Mitch Felsman scored in the corner, slotting the conversion from the sideline for Brothers to take a 17-15 lead.

Brothers made it a six-point lead at the break after David Findlay-Henaway scored in the 33rd minute. 

Uni fought their way back into the match as Pincus slotted a penalty in the 52nd minute narrowing the margin to just three points, but a try to Patrick James put the Brethren eight points up, with James finishing off a sensational pass from Stefano Hunt.

Brothers captain Nathanuel Gendle celebrates with wife Carmen and daughter HarrietWhen it seemed the Brethren had done enough to clinch the title, reserve Uni winger Harry Parker crossed in the 76th minutes, with Pincus's conversion making the margin just three pointsd again.

A crucial turnover from Taniela Tupou in the last 30 seconds handed Brothers back the possession and their first premiership since 2009.

University of Queensland 28

(Tries: Cornelsen, Dalgleish, Parker Cons: Pincus 2 Pens: Pincus 3)

Brothers 31

(Tries: Gentle, Felsman, Findlay-Henaway, James Cons: Felsman 4 Pens: Felsman)

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