BROTHERS IN TOUGH CONTEST
have scraped home with a 36-28 win in the final round of the Cairns District Rugby League competition, despite old rivals Kangaroos pushing them to their limit at Stan Williams Park yesterday.
The Brethren couldn’t put a foot wrong to start the match, as they put 22 points on the visitors without reply.
But Kangaroos, who had nothing to lose and only their pride to gain, refused to bow out in their final game of the season.
The visitors got back within 12 by the break, with Brothers holding a 22-10 lead.
The second half was hotly contested as the sides went try for try, with Roos scoring two four-pointers as a direct result of a Brothers error – firstly an intercept and, secondly a knock-on only metres from their tryline.
Roos managed to get back within two points of their opponents, with scores at 30-28, until a late try to the home side would finally seal the 36-28 victory.
Brothers coach Paul Stevens said the Round 20 encounter was a good test for his side.
“Our defence was a bit disappointing, in that we let so many tries in, but it was a nice tough hitout and Kangaroos tested us on several occasions,” he said.
“I think that’ll help us moving forward into the finals.”
However, after Brothers were their own worst enemy in the match, he said there would a strong focus on discipline at training this week.
“We jumped out of the blocks really well and we were 22-0 up, but then just a bit of ill discipline crept into the game,” he said.
“It’s something we’ve been talking about so we need to be better next week in those areas.”
Brothers will take on Atherton in this Sunday’s elimination final.
“They’re a tough side – an in-your-face outfit,” Stevens said.
“They’ll definitely be a handful next week. We won’t go into it with any misconceptions about them.”
editorial@cairnspost.com.au facebook.com/TheCairnsPost www.cairnspost.com.au twitter.com/TheCairnsPost