5 things we learned as Capras flex their strength against Clydesdales

The Western Clydesdales Hostplus Cup side opened their season with a clash at Clive Berghofer Stadium against the Central Queensland Capras on Saturday. Check out the five key talking points from the round 1 contest.

Esom Ioka started at centre for the Western Clydesdales in their clash with CQ Capras. Picture: Brendan Radke

The Western Clydesdales kicked their season off with a difficult defeat at home to a strong CQ Capras line-up.

The visitors were that class above in the key moments to claim a solid 28-10 win.

Check out the five key talking points from the Clydesdales’ first game of 2024.

1. Capras pounce on errors to open scoring

The Clydesdales dominated the opening 10 minutes but the Capras responded in style.

The visitors forced repeat sets in the Clydesdales’ own half before eventually crossing over to score the first try of the contest.

2. Clydesdales fail to capitalise on game-changing opportunity

While the Clydesdales were under immense pressure for the majority of the first half, they had an opportunity to turn the tides of the contest.

With three minutes left in the half, Taniela Otukolo broke through the line and made a barnstorming run before being brought down just metres from the tryline.

The hosts then won a penalty one play later and were set for a full set of six just 10m out.

However, they were unable to break through and remained 12 points down.

The Western Clydesdales and CQ Capras locked horns at Clive Berghofer Stadium for round 1 of the Hostplus Cup on Saturday. Picture: Chris Lenehan Sports Photography

3. Teams cancel each other out either side of half

After the Clydesdales failed to make the most of their biggest chance of the game, the Capras went the length of the field to score with the final play of the half thanks to an impressive individual effort from Zev John.

However, the home side hit back just one minute after the break as they capitalised on an error from the Capras to score their first try of the 2024 season.

4. Errors prove costly

One of the major differences between the two sides was the end product in attack.

Every time the Capras went forward, they created opportunities to either score or force repeat sets.

The Clydesdales on the other hand, whenever they had the ascendancy and strong field position, made clumsy errors and gave away unnecessary penalties, thus reducing the pressure and allowing momentum to shift back in the Capras’ favour.

5. CQ score late try to ice the win

The Clydesdales found some momentum late in the game and down by 12 points with five minutes on the clock, had a chance, albeit slim, to pull off an unlikely comeback.

However, as the hosts made their last push, powerful Central Queensland winger Edrick Lee intercepted a pass and ran down the field to put his side in a strong position.

Shortly after, the Capras broke through to score to put the icing on the cake of their impressive round 1 victory.