Nightcliff proved too strong for Brothers at Rugby Park in the NRL NT

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BROTHERS’ birthday celebrations were dampened at Rugby Park last night as the club’s first grade outfit was rolled by archrival Nightcliff.

Honouring 60 years of rich history, the Brethren fielded an inexperienced line-up that was unable to challenge the Dragons, who tightened their grip on second place with a 56-12 victory.

Nightcliff took a 20-4 lead into the break, despite the first try being awarded to Brothers in the 10th minute.

It came through Marshall Gela, who crossed just inside the right corner post, but from that point the Brethren’s lack of ball control proved costly.

It allowed the Dragons quality field position and on the back of momentum from their imposing pack — led by David Paull, Ed Murphy and Whitmer Tuputala — Nightcliff struck four times before oranges.

They did so first after Murphy barged over from short range. The second try came from a Brad Sneddon dummy-half scoot.

David Tabuai set the game alight in the 30th minute when he made a 70 metre burst to the stripe, before Sneddon crossed for his second just before half time.

Any chance of a Brothers comeback was thwarted a minute into the second period when Shaun Wauchope busted through the line and linked up with fullback Simaika Salaa.

And to make matters worse for the Brethren, Sneddon crossed for two more in the second period either side of tries from wingers Matt Golsby and Josh Phillips.