By Adam Sheldon

Brothers edged Easts 38–28 in Sunday’s major semi-final at Sunnybank, sealing a direct path to the grand final and moving within one win of a third straight Hospital Cup premiership.

In a free-flowing first half, Brothers traded blows with Easts and took a 31–21 lead into the break.

The Tigers clawed their way back into the contest in the second half, closing the gap to 31–28 in the 68th minute and pinning Brothers inside their own half for much of the closing stages.

But the minor premiers’ defence held firm before an 80th-minute try to Theo Fourie put the result beyond doubt.

Brothers captain Will Wilson said he was proud of his side’s gritty performance.

“It was very open in that first half – just tit for tat tries – and then the second half we were basically defending the whole time,” Wilson told Rugby News.

“They threw everything at us with their set piece and outside backs, but we trusted our systems and thankfully kept them out. That last try at the death sealed it.”

The win handed Brothers a week off and a chance to freshen up ahead of the grand final at Ballymore in a fortnight.

“There’s a few boys carrying niggles so the timing’s perfect,” Wilson said.

“We’ll get back into training and gear up for whoever comes through next week.”

Bond stun Wests in minor semi-final

That opponent will be decided when Easts host Bond in Sunday’s preliminary final.

The Bull Sharks advanced in style, dismantling Wests 34–0 in the minor semi-final earlier in the day, ending the Bulldogs’ 11-match winning streak in what was arguably the upset of the season.

Wests played almost the entire match with 14 men after back-rower Luke Masirewa was red-carded for head contact in a tackle just five minutes in – a moment Bond head coach Mick Heenan admitted had a major influence.

“Their number eight got sent off five minutes in – he directly rucked two of our guys in the head. It was pretty dumb, to be honest, and it obviously made things harder for them,” Heenan said.

“But we defended really well and took our opportunities. That’s a huge turnaround from when they beat us 62–12 last time – I don’t think anyone was predicting this result.”

Wilson agreed, admitting he was stunned by the margin.

“I don’t think anyone saw that coming,” he said.

“Bond were just clinical – they’ve now won seven in a row and are in great form. Easts will be fired up at home, so it’ll be a massive clash.”

While he refused to nominate a preferred opponent for the grand final, Wilson said Easts’ home advantage could be decisive in this week’s preliminary final.

“Both sides are equally tough, so we’ll just focus on ourselves. But given the prelim is at Easts, maybe they just have the edge — but it could go either way.”