Mustangs Brothers remain in fourth spot on the Rugby League Brisbane Open 1 ladder after overpowering a brave Brothers Juniors 30-12 at Gibson Park on Saturday.
In what was a vital two points for both sides, Mustangs came, saw and conquered in trying conditions on a windy Brisbane afternoon.
After five minutes of play though, Mustangs use of the wind saw them nail a superb 40/20 kick from halfback Devin Tuiasau-Kerridge.
From this, centre Christian Talaimanu used his power to fend off the Lephrechauns defence to score in the corner posting first points of the afternoon.
Easily Mustangs best player on ground, the dynamic skills of Tuiasau-Kerridge came to the fore once again.
His second inch perfect 40/20 kick ensured Brothers would be on the back foot again and they were.
A brilliant chip and chase from the mercurial half saw him regather the ball and slide in under the posts to make it 12-0 after only 10 minutes.
With Mustangs aided by the westerly wind and having most of the ball in the first half, Brothers were simply in survival mode.
The home side huddled in the in-goal area once more when Mustangs lock Mitchell Murray went over beside the sticks, thanks to razzle-dazzle play down the sideline that left the Leprechauns shell-shocked.
Whilst the Mustangs side was having all the fun, Brothers refused to succumb to defeat and were being superbly led by Chris and Ben Bath who were punishing in defence.
The visitors then increased their lead to 20-0 in the 27th minute, when Brothers kicked out on the full of the dropout, gifting Mustangs the easiest of goals in front.
But in true Brethren style, the home side kept chipping away and finally got on the scoreboard in the 30th minute courtesy of second rower Jarrad Doyle-Andrews, who crashed his way over the line.
However, with Brothers finding a newfound spring in their step, it did not last long, giving away a silly penalty right in front of the sticks on the stroke of halftime.
Tuiasau-Kerridge stepped-up to take the conversion to see Mustangs heading into the break leading 22-6.
After only two minutes of play in the second half, a cricket score was looming as Mustangs went for the throat once more.
They crossed for a 60 metre try on the backend of yet another 40/20 kick deep into Brothers territory through Tuiasau-Kerridge.
However, the Leprechauns were using the wind to their advantage with five-eighth Pat Fall continually turning Mustangs around.
Fall’s experience had the home side crossing again in the 50th minute, when he fired out a superb cut out pass to winger Thomas Mills, who inched his way over the line.
But it was too no avail with Brothers giving away another penalty right in front of the posts.
Tuiasau-Kerridge slotted the easiest of goals to secure what was an important victory for Mustangs keeping their finals chances alive.
