The Tabcorp Brumbies have gone down in a 19-13 slugfest with the President’s XV in round two of Buildcorp Super W in Coffs Harbour.
Halley Derera’s first half double was undone by a spirited performance from the President’s XV, who withstood multiple Brumbies attacks at their line late in the piece to hold on for a famous victory.
The Brumbies will be left to rue those missed opportunities in the dying moments, the side having shipped two tries in the first five minutes game.
Miscommunication in the midfield saw President’s XV winger Claudia Nielsen run under the sticks unopposed before tighthead prop Candice Clay bullied her way over the line to make it 12-0 moments after kick-off.
Despite conceding early, the Brumbies seemed dangerous with the ball in hand, centre Lillyann Mason-Spice sparking her team’s revival with a couple outstanding carries.
With momentum on their side, the Brumbies got on the board, a beautiful pass from Mason-Spice found Halley Derera, and the winger stepped, hitched, and raced home for her second try in two weeks of Super W action.
Derera would make it a double 10 minutes later. Ella Ryan’s looping pass was almost intercepted, but the ball found Derera in acres of space, with just two President’s XV forwards covering across.
The Victorian flyer was simply too quick and went over untouched to bring the Brumbies to within two points.
Ella Ryan’s penalty goal with the final kick of the second half made it 13-12 at the break.
It would be the Brumbies final points of the game, as xx try for the President’s XV would be enough for victory, despite the Brumbies many cracks at their line.
The Tabcorp Brumbies are set to take on the NSW Waratahs on Wednesday, 30 June at C.EX International Stadium, Coffs Harbour.
Tabcorp Brumbies 13 (T: H.Derera 2 ; P: E.Ryan) def by President’s XV 19 (T: C.Nielsen, C.Clay, J.Huriwai; C: T.Vallance 2)
