Latecomers Bros knock off Nova in CRU eliminator

CAPITAL Rugby latecomers Brothers ended the finals run of 2011 Metro Rugby runners-up Nova 20-17, in the CRU premier elimination final on Saturday at Bava Park’s field two.
Centre Geti Raka barged his way over in extra time for his second try to bring his side up 20-17 from a 15-17 deficit, and the right to face preliminary final losers Wanderers, who went down 13-27 to Harlequins on oval one.
After an abysmal year in 2011 at the Port Moresby Rugby Football Union, the Brethren rebuild came to the fore with its young guns standing up to the challenge of a come-from-behind win.
Former Pukpuk Joe Kautu was set to play a key role in the final, however a broken nose early into first half kept him out for the rest of the match, and basically handed the young backline their chance to shine.
The experience of forwards Ahulo Ottio, Cyjoh Waingut, Jonny Passingan and Taugau Tau also shone through in the crucial stages of the elimination final.
For Nova, it was another day at the office for its classy schoolboys from the start, with early tries to Emmanuel Guise (POM Grammar) and Eli Kini, but Brothers’ reply through Getis first and Tau kept asking for more.
Opportunities went begging at the crucial stages, promising stars first five Titi Gigimat and Guise taking charge, but a committed Brothers defence kept denying them.
Moses Guise, Kapua Kapua and Ron Amean tidied everything around the contact, however it was the loose ball that Brothers thrived on and succeeded.
Nova clearly missed the services of sevens captain Douglas Guise and Billy Torea at the crucial stages.
Brothers now move on to the next stage of the finals against Wanderers, while Harlequins get a week off as they wait in the first grand final spot.