Brothers will challenge Pine Central Holy Spirit in the InTech Rugby League Brisbane Division One preliminary final thanks to a 38-14 win over Redlands on Saturday.
The Fighting Irish looked composed and relaxed throughout this game which pitted one of the strongest Northside clubs against one of the most competitive Southside clubs in Redlands, who were simply outclassed on the day.
After nine minutes of play, Brothers fullback Sam Fall took advantage of a Redlands lapse in defence to shift up a gear and race in to score the first points of the afternoon.
Adam Kelly had to work hard for the next Brothers try, attacking the Redlands line with enough force to twist and turn his way over and plant the ball on the chalk.
A massive crowd had assembled, which was a testament to all the supporters from each club that attended on the day.
The Parakeets managed to scamper over in the 19th minute when Redlands posted their first points of the afternoon through fullback Hayden Roberts, who sliced his way over the line for a superb four pointer.
It was evident though that the momentum was shifting towards Brothers. The Northside outfit were classy around the ruck and were beating the Parakeets out wide with speed.
Some great vision by Brothers centre Brent Kelly sent the butchers stripes into the interval leading 18-6, when he sidestepped his way through two Redlands defenders and touched down beside the sticks.
A deluge of points would follow the Brethren in the second half, although not before they felt the wrath of the Redlands defence.
The indestructible Lukas McIntyre, who has been a pillar of strength for the Redlands club, and Callum Rigby were both impeccable for the losing side.
However, Brothers somehow shrugged off the brick wall Redlands defence and outplayed the Parakeets on the flanks.
Brothers five-eighth Sam Turnbull pinched a try out of nothing to go in under the sticks and increase the lead to 24-6.
A stunned Redlands could only look on as hooker Wade Potter dummied his way over the line to further dent their hopes of a comeback
However, in true Redlands fashion, they were not done just yet.
The Parakeets were being led superbly around the park by inspirational five-eighth Craig Matheson and lock McIntyre, who was still dishing out punishment even late in this game.
Two quick fire tries by prop Marlon Rolfe-Bennett and a beauty from winger Shayne McCauley put some respectability into the score line at 30-14 as they put on a late rally.
Brothers however were turning the tired Parakeets defence around through their fast men and a blistering sideline try by winger Michael Cotton saw the Brethren take the game by the scruff of the neck.
With 90 seconds left on the clock, rampaging Brothers prop Ben Bath was rewarded for a fine game, crashing his way over to ensure the fighting Irish lived to fight another day.
Preliminary finals for all three grades of the InTech Rugby League Brisbane senior competitions will be held this coming weekend.
Full results, standings and fixtures are available here.
