Sigh of relief for Reds

Defending champions edge out Brumbies

Last updated: 26th May 2012  

Zack Holmes Brumbies v Canes 2012

Zack Homes: failed with late penalty attempt

Luke Morahan Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies Super Rugby Canberra Stadium

Luke Morahan: crossed for game's only try early on

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Zack Holmes missed a penalty kick seconds before the final whistle to hand the Queensland Reds a 13-12 win over the ACT Brumbies.

Holmes' miss brought a dramatic end to what had been a largely uninspiring clash between the Australian Conference rivals.

The ugly win kept the Reds' title defence alive, leaving them five points behind the Brumbies and within striking distance of a top-six play-off berth.

Reds full-back Luke Morahan scored the only try of the match in the fourth minute with a piece of individual brilliance, but that kind of flair was missing from much of the remaining play.

The game descended into an unsightly spectacle with both teams conceding uneccessary penalties and rarely making it into the opposing 22.

The Reds had a 10-6 lead at halftime but Holmes slotted two penalty goals to keep them in touch and had a chance to win it when Saia Faingaa infringed.

However his shot from about 40 metres out on a slight angle sailed left of the posts to elicit a collective groan from the stands.

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