Reds throw down marker
The Reds highlighted their title credentials after seeing off the Stormers 16-13 in Brisbane.
Last Updated: 23/04/10 2:09pm
The Reds highlighted their title credentials after seeing off the Stormers 16-13 in Brisbane.
The victory, a third straight win for Ewen McKenzie's side, lifts the Queensland franchise up to joint-top in the standings alongside the Stormers, who claimed a losing bonus point, the Bulls and the Crusaders.
And having also beaten all their fellow title rivals, the Reds can now lay claim to being genuine contenders for the last Super 14 title.
Fly-half Quade Cooper proved to be the difference as he landed a conversion and three penalties - with both sides scoring a try apiece.
The Reds, though, had to overcome a slow start as lock Andries Bekker crashed over after three minutes, with two would-be tacklers unable to halt him.
Peter Grant converted, but ill-discipline from the visitors allowed the Reds to stay in touch, with Cooper on target with two penalties.
Cooper landed a third penalty after the break and before he played a key role in his side's only try.
The fly-half chipped to the corner with former Melbourne Storm ace Will Champers winning the race to score. Cooper's conversion saw the Reds into a 16-7 lead.
The Stormers hit back through two Grant penalties but they couldn't break through to find the decisive score.
"The boys are playing some great rugby at the moment," Reds skipper Will Genia said.
"It wasn't pretty, but a win's a win and our structure paid off as the Stormers feed on continuity."
