McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City retain Andy Purcell Cup with win over Bond University Queensland Country
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City have registered a 58-52 victory over Bond University Queensland Country to claim the Andy Purcell Cup for the third time.
In front of 2,016 supporters, Brisbane City outscored Queensland Country eight tries to seven at Ballymore Stadium.
Brisbane City’s tries were scored by Toby White (2), Luke Beauchamp, Chris Kuridrani, Isi Naisarani (2) and Alex Gibbon (2). Queensland Country’s tries were scored by Ted Postal, Taniela Tupou, James Tuttle (2), Izaia Perese, Tyrone Lefau and Tom Banks.
Despite a disappointing season, City head coach Rob Seib was pleased his side finished off with a win.
“We’re obviously not happy with our season overall, but it’s pleasing to finish with a hard-fought win in the local derby. While we didn’t always see the results on the field, we saw plenty of development in some of the young players so it will be good to see how they go next year,” Seib said.
City and Reds flyhalf Jake McIntyre controlled the game and was instrumental in a number of City’s tries and was awarded man of the match for his efforts.
It took Brisbane City three minutes to open the scoring. The home side spread the ball wide creating an overlap and inside centre White ran away for the first try.
Queensland Country responded with a try to Postal but City hit back when White sliced straight through the defence for an early double.
Brisbane City extended their lead when Beauchamp crossed in the corner only for Kuridrani to cross in the same corner moments later, extending Brisbane City’s lead to 28-6
25 minutes into the match Tupou barged his way over for Queensland Country, reducing the deficit to 14 points.
With five minutes remaining in the first half, Liam McNamara ran down the touchline and linked up with his Tuttle who crossed for Country’s third try.
After half time, Naisarani crossed for two tries in the opening 15 minutes handing Brisbane City their biggest lead of the match, 44-22.
Perese crossed for Queensland Country’s first try of the second half, carrying two defenders with him after a quick tap five metres out from City’s line.
With Brisbane City a man down after Pettowa Paraka was sent to the sin bin, Country capitalised when Tyrone Lefau found a hole and passed to Tuttle looming up the inside.
But Brisbane City responded when Gibbon plucked a cheeky chip kick by McIntyre to score under the uprights.
The home side extended its lead shortly after when awarded a penalty five metres out, City caught Country’s defence napping and Gibbon went over the untouched.
Queensland Country looked down and out until Lefau scored in the corner and almost immediately after the restart Country reduced City’s lead to six points when Banks finished off a 60-metre attacking raid
Country had one last chance to steal the win but a chip ahead trickled over the touch line and the final siren sounded to ensure the Andy Purcell Cup would remain in Brisbane City’s trophy cabinet for another year.
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City 58 (Toby White 2, Luke Beauchamp, Chris Kuridrani, Isi Naisarani 2, Alex Gibbon 2 tries; Jake McIntyre 5 conversions) defeated Bond University Queensland Country 52 (Ted Postal, Taniela Tupou, James Tuttle 2, Tyrone Lefau, Tom Banks tries; Duncan Paia’aua 5 conversions) at Ballymore Stadium on Sunday 9 October 2016.
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