Brothers thrash Saders

By PARKER TAMBUA
FORMER Kimbe Cutters forward Johnny Ephraim bagged a double to help Brothers thrash Crusaders 33-3 in the Capital Rugby Union (CRU) premier division at Bava Park on Saturday.
Brothers bagged five tries while Crusaders’ only points came via a Peter Kone penalty goal in the round-six fixture.
Brothers’ strength was in their pack as they overpowered their opponents in attack and defence.
Crusaders had limited possession and opportunities to pose any threat.
Brothers caused more turnovers, using their bigger pack to dominate Crusaders.
Brothers scored the first try through forward Zachery Heroa as they overtook Crusaders who took an early lead through the penalty goal.
Ephraim scored the second try when he crossed over through a ruck play. Ephraim’s try was converted as they led 12-3.
Forward Ahulo Ottio scored on the stroke of halftime and a successful conversion made it 19-3 at the break.
The second half was all Brothers as their forwards in Ephraim, Makham Tonde, Nelson Tinoa and George Wai continued to dominate up the middle.
Ephraim completed his double and Jeremiah Severa scored a try. Jonah Kautu extended the scores to 33-3 as he converted the two tries.
Crusaders had scoring opportunities in the dying stages of the game in Brothers’ territory, but they couldn’t penetrate the solid defensive effort of the competition heavyweights. Another former Kimbe Cutters forward, Troy Taumu was also injected in the second half for the Brothers outfit which added extra power to their pack with Kramer Ausenco sponsorsed side continuing their dominance in 2022 season.