The Rebels A have defeated the Brumbies Runners 28-17 in wet and windy conditions at Melbourne’s Harlequin Rugby Club.
It was the home side who opened the scoring, with the first five-pointer of the match coming in the 10th minute of play through Mosese Tuipulotu, with the Rebels taking full advantage of a strong start to the half.
Speedster Harry Potter was the next to cross for the Rebels, scoring off the back of a Brumbies error, to see the Rebels extend their lead to 12-points 26 minutes in.
The Runners struggled with the harsh weather conditions, with a strong wind against them resulting in multiple turnovers.
Tom Pincus kicked a superb penalty goal from 52 metres out just before the end of the half, resulting in the home side taking a 15-nil advantage into the break.
With the breeze now on the Runners side, the visitors found some inspiration through captain Bayley Kuenzle, who barged over the line to open the Runners account in the 43rd minute.
Despite the Runners starting gain some momentum in the match, it was the Rebels who were next score when Glen Vaihu crossed the line off the back of a fantastic scrum by the home side. His try converted by Pincus.
The Runners were not going to down without a fight and after a yellow card was handed to the Rebels, Pollard crossed for the visitors off the back of a rolling maul to see the score at 22-10.
The Rebels then won a penalty shot in front of goal in the 67th minute, with Pincus successfully extending the Rebels lead back to 15 points.
Against the run of play, outside centre Guy Porter scored an incredible 67 metre intercept try for the Runners, taking the score to 25-17 with 10 minutes left.
Off the kick-off, the Rebels won another penalty shot at goal, with Pincus adding another three points to the Rebels score, to seal a 28-17 victory. Their first win of the season.
Words: Daniel Heinrich
