Brothers, Marlins end CRU Round 16 Match in a Cliffhanger

The highly-anticipated Pepsi Capital Rugby Union (CRU) Premier Grade round 16 main fixture saw the Theodist MBB Marlins draw with the Kramer APAC Brothers, locking the score at 27 points apiece on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, at Bava Park. 

With both teams fighting to solidify their top 4 spots as the playoffs draw closer, it was a high-stakes game that had the fans screaming at the top of their lungs and finishing off the round 16 blockbuster in a thrilling stalemate fashion. 

This was truly a slugfest contest in every sense of the word, with both teams putting their bodies on the line. After 34 minutes of arm wrestling, the Brothers broke the deadlock to score under the uprights and scored again two minutes later, taking a 14-0 lead.

The Marlins gave themselves a fighting chance when they scored an unconverted try in the 38th minute, reducing the margin to 14-5. With 2 minutes of play before the interval, the Theodist-baked Marlins gave a penalty to the Brothers outside of the 20-meter line, and they opted for a 3-point, leading the first half with 17-5.

Going with the momentum in the second spell, the rejuvenated Marlins registered back-to-back tries in the 52nd and 55th minutes to close in on the scoreline, leapfrogging the Brothers to a 19-17 lead and putting the match to a respectable contest. 

Down on their haunches, the men in black were gifted a 3-point penalty goal outside of the Marlins’ 20-meter line in the 60th minute to retake the lead at 20-19. Six minutes later, the kings of Bava Park (Brothers) scored an intercept try to ice the game, but the Gerehu lads responded with a penalty goal and a try to equalize the match at full-time.

As the playoffs loom closer with 3 more rounds remaining in the regular season, the premier grade competition has intensified. The SWG TSI Valley Hunters maintain the pole position, while the Theodist MBB Marlins, Supreme Industries Harlequins, Kramer APAC Brothers, and Chemcare Juggernauts fight for the top 3 spots.