In front of 6, 000 supporters yesterday at the Santos National Football Stadium, the Kramer Ausenco Brothers fought back from a first half deficit to deny the Credit Corporation Harlequins a back-to-back premiership and go on to claim the Top Dog Title in the Pepsi Cup Capital Rugby Union Competition with a score line of 24-13.
In a match befitting of extremely high-level skill and composure, it was evident that this was no easy match for both teams.
Following the fanfare, it was straight into the action from the kickoff, both teams looked dangerous but it was the Brothers through a spot-on kick almost threw the crowd into chaos in the 4th minute of the match.
Shallendra Birney came close to opening up the scoring, but was deemed a no try as the ball was grounded on the touch line by match referee, Ned Carrick.
The Brothers, however, were first to get points off some ill-discipline by the Harlies.
Jonah Kautu taking advantage of the wind to slot points in both the 11th and 18th minute, putting the Brothers in front by 6.
But in finals rugby, don’t ever take your foot off the pedal and this seemed to be the case because soon after, the Harlies hit back.
Utilizing their light forward pack to pick off two tries through some slick ball movement. The first coming through Ron Butler and the second Elton Una at the Western Stand to take the lead.
However, Steven Yamun did not have a good day out with the boot, missing both conversion attempts before heading into the sheds.
The Brothers, showing great patience stayed in the grind and completing phases, started winning the battle in the breakdowns and causing headaches for the Harlies defense line.
This patience was awarded in the 53rd minute when Brothers captain, George Wai thundered his way over the opposition try-line to take the lead.
With the wind knocked out of their sails, the Harlies just were not able to match the intensity of the Brothers, and letting in two more tries to nail the coffin shut for the 2023 season.