April 12, 2025. Round 3 Brothers vs GPS Rugby
Brothers have successfully retained the Flynn-Lewis Shield for the ninth year running, winning six out of eight matches on a wet and wild weekend at Crosby Park. The weekend weather threw everything at the host club, with stunning Thursday and Friday night conditions turning to calamitous conditions on the Saturday, with the Colts 1 and Second Grade matches being stopped at times due to close-range lightning. By the end of the round, Jack Ross Oval resembled a swimming pool, however that didn’t stop the Butcher’s Stripes from defeating their rivals from Ashgrove.
First Grade
Brothers have put on a second half wet-weather clinic to run away 33-8 winners against a fired up Gallopers outfit in Round 3 of the StoreLocal Hospital Cup at the weekend.
With Brisbane’s year of wild weather continuing, the now traditional grudge match with GPS was afforded some extra spice, with torrid conditions delaying kick off and necessitating some help from the lights, with a gap in the weather allowing the match to get under way. And with the ball and surface so slippery points were always going to be at a premium, and both Head Coaches made their intention to take points loud and clear with the scoring getting underway with a penalty kick in front first going the way of Brothers’ Benn Della Cort, followed by a return three-pointer to GPS’ Ryley Bierton.
The match then became a tight tussle of mid-field play, with neither side willing to spread the ball too wide. However GPS finally gave into temptation, pushing a pass out to the left wing which was beautifully read by Della Cort, who streaked 65m to score in the corner.
This score seemed to incense GPS, who played a much more uptempo style of play, swinging the ball from wing to wing in attack and holding the lion’s share of possession. The wall finally broke in the 20th minute when former Brothers player Quentin Raravula crash over on the left edge to even the scores at eight all. After this conditions begun to noticeably worsen again, and finding grass off the kicking game became challenging for both squads. Brothers however rallied late in the half and repeated infringements from GPS saw them concede a penalty right on half time, with Brothers holding a narrow 11-8 lead.
The half time break saw the rain go from simply heavy to outright torrential, and rivers begun to form across the field. When the team’s returned, both launched probing attacks into their opposition half, however it didn’t take long for the momentum to firmly shift to Brothers, with a GPS infringement providing Brothers another easy penalty. With GPS now facing scoreboard pressure in addition the torrid conditions, they started to play with desperation, however the Butcher’s Stripes had an answer for every foray into their half. Not even a high shot from Malakai, Taulani resulting in a yellow card whilst defending the 5 meter line would allow GPS the opportunity to score. And soon, the match would be beyond all doubt when Dominic Fraser, starting from the bench, benefited from two near identical maul tries in the left corner.
With time running down, Brothers could have been forgiven for winding down the clock in such tough playing conditions, however captain Will Wilson was not content to take his foot off the pedal, snatching a loose GPS carry, before distributing the ball to a dominating Brad Hemopo who duly but Oliver Harvey in for his debut first grade try on the buzzer, sparking delirious celebrations from his sodden team mates.
Brothers now face Norths at Shaw Road on the 26th of April.
StoreLocal Challenge Cup
Brothers Women have suffered their first defeat of the season, going down in a gallant effort to competition heavyweights Sunnybank Green 22 to 8.
Having played Sunnybank Black the week prior, a match in which they dominated, Brothers were confident they would be able to put in a better effort than their previous 36-point drubbing playing the Dragon’s A-side in 2024. This confidence was well placed, as Brothers muscled up physically to the competition renowned Sunnybank forwards, pushing the away team into their own half. The pressure resulted in a penalty being awarded to the home team, with Maria Gabriela Graf stepping up to slot home first points.
Brothers continued to compete with Sunnybank, however their experience and class begun to show, slowly chipping away at Brothers defense, before winger Athlene Nayacalevu broke through for initial points. The Dragons Maddison Wood also found a way to the line before half time, sending the teams into the sheds at 10 points to 3.
After the break, Brothers continued to compete, however some poor handling allowed in two extra tries. Desperate to cross the line themselves, Brothers finally took some significant possession, and muscled their way into the end zone to grab a confidence-inspiring try to Faalalotonga Faalalotonga to finish the game.
Team of the Round: Colts 3
Colts 3 have put in a highly entertaining display of U20s rugby to defeat GPS 29-0 at home.
In match where both teams saw the ire of the referee, Brothers found themselves down to 11 men immediately after half time. This however didn’t stop them defending on their line without conceding and scoring a lightning try against the run of play.
Results:
StoreLocal Hospital Cup: WIN 33-8
StoreLocal Challenge Cup: LOSS 22-8
2nd Grade: WIN 13-7
3rd Grade: WIN 47-8
4th Grade: LOSS 13-10
5th Grade: WIN 38-0
Colts 1: LOSS 15-3
Colts 2: WIN 27-17
Colts 3: WIN 29-0
