The Brumbies have fallen to the Reds in round five of Super W, 24-12 after a hard-fought contest at GIO Stadium.
Two tries from the brilliant Ema Masi wasn’t enough for the Brumbies to get one over the Queenslanders, although they will be hoping today’s performance will lay a marker for next week’s semi-final, both teams vying for a spot in the Grand-Final.
The visiting Reds opened the scoring through the boot of skipper Lori Cramer, after Sammie Wood had failed to convert her first attempt off the tee.
It wouldn’t be long until the side had their second crack at the posts, this time through a conversion.
Masi popped up in a bit of space on the right flank, and after beating two would-be Reds defenders, the rampaging backrow bullied her way over for the opening try.
The lead didn’t last long however, Ivy Kaleta finally putting an end to the Reds dry spell after receiving a quick handoff from Shannon Mato for the try right at the line.
With the successful conversion from Cramer, the Reds were back in the lead 5-10 to end the first half.
The Reds came into the second half determined to bring the pressure, and after pushing their way to the line Mato shoved her way through for the try.
Cramer continued to have the hot boot, adding another conversion under her belt for the game.
The Brumbies fell just short of answering back, turning the ball over right at the line in what would’ve been a much-needed momentum shift.
The Reds turned the screw and started to draw away, opening up a 24-5-point lead.
The points in the bag for the Reds, the Brumbies went hunting for another score, never giving up until the final whistle.
After battering the Reds line, Masi ducked under a defender and dived over for the Brumbies second try.
Brumbies 12 (Tries: Masi 2; Conversions: Ryan) def by Queensland Reds 24 (Tries: Kaleta, Manihera; Conversions: Cramer 3; Penalty Goals: Cramer)
