Southcity showed why they are Group Nine premierships favourites as they extinguished any hopes of Brothers playing finals in comprehensive fashion.
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The Bulls ran in 11 tries to one to head into the finals series with a bang.
Brothers needed to cause an upset to keep their finals hopes alive, but were clearly no match for their Wagga rivals at Harris Park on Saturday.
While it took 12 minutes to score the first points, before crossing four times to be bolting with a 24-6 lead at the break.
The second half turned ugly for Brothers as they let in seven unanswered tries to fall to a 60-6 defeat.
After scoring five tries in the win over Temora last week, Usaia O’Sullivan came to the fore once more.
The imposing centre crossed for a hat-trick and left Brothers coach Terry Westblade questioning what he was doing in Group Nine.
“Their centre (O’Sullivan) is amazing,” Westblade said.
“He could probably he playing a few divisions higher I think.”
It is high praise from someone who would know.
Before joining Brothers during the season, Westblade spent more than 20 years coaching in the Illawarra and also played 36 games for the Steelers.
After a late resurgence, including four wins in a row, Westblade said it was a depressing way to end the season.
Brothers were three points clear in the battle for fifth three weeks ago and he thought injuries really took their toll.
“We went really well there for a while but the last three weeks we just ran into injuries and then guys dropped off training a little bit and it got a bit messy.
“Preparation wasn’t good in the last few weeks and they (Southcity) are probably the best I’ve seen.
“I’m still very proud of our fellas, they did their best but we just weren’t up to their (Southcity’s) standard.”
He believes the Bulls, who have only lost the once on the way to the minor premiership, are the clear premiership favourite.
“They are a great outfit,” Westblade said.
“They are definitely the best I have seen down here.
“They are well coached and seem really gelled together.
“It is full credit to them.”
Jordan Shepherd crossed for a double in the win.
Fittingly, milestone man Mitch Curran – he was playing his 200th game for Southcity – scored a try in the 64th minute and also got another precious reward.
To mark his great occasion, Curran was given the opportunity to convert Shepherd’s 79th minute try – and he did it with ease.
Tim Hurst also crossed in his 150th game.