At half-time the Grahamstown Brumbies first rugby team were neck-and-neck with the Harlequins during the inaugural Abrahams/Brooks Memorial Trophy match at the Oval sports grounds on Saturday.
At half-time the Grahamstown Brumbies first rugby team were neck-and-neck with the Harlequins during the inaugural Abrahams/Brooks Memorial Trophy match at the Oval sports grounds on Saturday.
But the local club team ended up suffering a one-point loss at the hands of their opponents from Port Elizabeth, despite the 3-3 score at the break.
The match was played in front of a large crowd of locals who came to see an exciting game and pay their respects to the late Brumbies legends.
Starting at a good pace, the game was physical until the end.
Brumbies flyhalf Vincent Mains was once again in great form, especially with the boot, as he slotted the first half-penalty for his team. The Harlequins flyhalf then managed to level matters by half-time.
The second half saw both teams playing a more structured and open game, with Brumbies lock and stalwart Monray Evans leading the physical battle.
He braved some dangerous runs and gained ground in the second half, consistently crossing the advantage line.
Deon Crous, who played for EP Rural last year, opened the scoring for Brumbies in the second half with an impressive team try as he bulldozed his way over the try line with a couple of defenders hot on his trail.
Mains made no mistake with the conversion, bringing the score to 10-3. The visitors replied with a converted try to once again even the score.
The Brumbies backline took charge for a while, led by Mains. Wing Ishard Nelson dived for a try close to the corner, which and Mains converted. Minutes later, Mains slotted a 53m penalty while Harlequins replied with a penalty.
Brumbies lead 17-13 with 15 minutes to play. In-form Mains didn't disappoint with his 100% successful kicking record and landed two more penalties in the second half, while the visitors replied with two converted tries.
The game ended 24-23 to the Harlequins, earning the PE side the Abrahams/Brooks Memorial Trophy. Brumbies captain Dimitre Strydom said the game was a great start to the season and that his team was now looking forward to the Super 12 competition starting that weekend.
Brumbies first reserves lost their game 15-20 on Saturday. Try scorers were: Marlon Daniels, Irvin Mains and Deon Crouse. Brumbies U21 lost 12-24. Jaco Buys and Jamie Walters scored tries, while Devante Sias converted one try.
Tomorrow Brumbies will play an away game against East London Police.
Last Saturday's game was held in honour of two late Brumbies legends and founding members, Desmond Abrahams and Gabriel Brooks.
Abrahams was the club's first coach and Brooks was joint first president.
Both players also made their mark representing Sedru as well as the Universals and Rainbows respectively.
