SUNNYBANK survived a scorching comeback from a fast-finishing Brothers to claim the Queensland Premier Rugby grand final with a 35-24 victory at Ballymore yesterday.
The Dragons looked home and hosed for their first Hospital Cup triumph since 2007 when they led 29-5 with 30 minutes left on the clock in the decider.
Sunnybank had dominated proceedings with two tries to outside centre Rex Tapuai and two penalty tries courtesy of the rampaging Dragons pack, who twice forced the Brothers scrum to crumble on their own tryline.
However, the Brethren refused to say die and closed to within five points after tries to Anthony Sauer, Damon Murphy and Nathanuel Gendle set-up a thrilling finish. All the momentum was with the Brethren who looked set for a famous victory, even though the Dragons had eight Super Rugby players in their ranks and went into the match as favourites.
But Sunnybank showed great composure to steady the ship through two penalties to halfback and Reds utility Ben Lucas, which sealed the deal for the "Green Machine".
Lucas's goalkicking proved to be the difference on the day with both sides scoring four tries apiece. Reds and Dragons lock Adam Wallace-Harrison claimed the Tony Shaw Medal for player-of-the-match for his barnstorming performance.
Sunnybank coach Rob Nowlan paid tribute to his forward pack - especially props Greg Holmes and Albert Anae - which set the tone in a sometimes spiteful opening half.
"We've got the two best front-rowers in Australia playing for Sunnybank, not in New Zealand. We always thought we could take them on up front," Nowlan said. "I probably can't say in public how I was feeling (when Brothers came back) but our boys got themselves together.
"Full credit to Brothers. They came at us hard and attacked our weaknesses but we held on."
The Dragons led 17-5 at halftime after dictating terms in the opening 40 minutes but a long-range try to Brothers winger Dom Shipperley in the shadows of halftime kept the Brethren in the contest and set the stage for a see-sawing second stanza.
Premier Grade: Sunnybank 35 (R Tapuai 2 tries, 2 pen tries; B Lucas 3 con, 3 pen) d Brothers 24 (D Shipperley, A Sauer, D Murphy, N Gendle tries; D Murphy 2 con).
First grade: GPS 36 d Sunnybank 12.
Second grade: University 15 d Sunnybank 12. Premier Colts: University 38 d Gold Coast 15.