Ali Brigginshaw writes her name into history books with first try

With a mazy run and a dynamic step or two, Ali Brigginshaw wrote her name into Western Clydesdales’ history at the weekend. We reveal why this moment meant so much to the Aussie star.

Ali Brigginshaw scores for the Western Clydesdales against Central Queensland Capras. Pictures: Kevin Farmer

Six minutes was all it took for Ali Brigginshaw to endear herself to the Western Clydesdales’ faithful.

With the CQ Capras still reeling after a damaging Steph Hancock run that should’ve been the Clydesdales’ first try, Brigginshaw capitalised.

Stepping through the broken Capras’ defensive line, Brigginshaw dived over the line to score the Clydesdales’ first BMD Premiership try.

“It is really special. I felt a really good connection from the minute I came here,” Brigginshaw said.

“The whole community was so lovely and welcoming.

“I really feel like I am a part of the Western Clydesdales’ community, so it (scoring the club’s first BMD Premiership try) is a really proud moment for me.

“It was an awesome performance from the girls, and I hope we did Toowoomba proud.”

Clydesdales’ fans didn’t have to wait too long for their second and third tries with Jessikah Reeves (18th minute) and Keeley Davis (27th) adding their names to the scorecard.

After heading into the sheds at halftime up 18-6, the Clydesdales extended their lead through Kayla Jackson who crossed the line in the 53rd minute.

Keeley Davis scores a try for Western Clydesdales.

Jessikah Reeves takes on the line.

Zoe Cook is bought down in a tackle.

Jessikah Reeves scores for the Clydesdales.

Western Clydesdales celebrate a try by Jessikah Reeves (right) against Central Queensland Capras.

The Capras fought back through tries to Bree Spreadborough (57th) Kate Ferling (66th), but the Clydesdales held on for a memorable 22-18 win.

Dally M medallist Tamika Upton led the Capras’ fightback, but Brigginshaw said she always had confidence in her team.

“I was confident that we could hold on,” she said.

“We put some of that (pressure) on ourselves with a few little mistakes, and maybe some of the newer girls not having played at this level before.

“Tamika can pull apart a team, and I said ‘we can be winning by 50 and she is never going to go away’.

“It’s a learning experience, but we can all take a lot of confidence away from this game.

“It’s going to be a long, hard season with a lot of good teams out there, and we have some things to work on, but it’s great to start with a win.”

Proud coach

Clydesdales coach Mitch Sargent could not be prouder of his side after their classy display in front of their home fans.

“The pleasing thing is obviously the result, we did it the hard way in the second half, but I am so pleased they hung in there and showed that Clydesdales’ spirit,” he said.

With the Capras surging towards a potential comeback victory in the dying stages, Sargent said there was only one thing on his mind.

“Tackle – please tackle,” he said.

“But I am so proud of them that they hung in there and did the job.”

Sargent was also delighted to see Brigginshaw etch her name in history as the first ever tryscorer for the club after she crossed the line after just six minutes.

“(It is) absolutely amazing for our club,” he said.

Sarah Hoger reacts after a forward pass call against Western Clydesdales which ruled out her try.

Ali Brigginshaw fires off a pass.

Therese Aiton is bought down in a tackle.

Taylor Fenton takes on the line.

Keeley Davis in action for the Clydesdales.

Sarah Hoger crashes over the line.

“What she has done for rugby league here across the Downs already is phenomenal, and for her to score that is fitting.”

The try kickstarted a lethal assault from the Clydesdales in the opening stages of the contest, which Sargent said was a major part of the game plan.

“To make sure we start fast and start well is so important for our team,” he said.

“That is something from the trial games that we worked on, and I am pleased to see that they did that.”

While the likes of Brigginshaw, Kezie Apps and Leianne Tufuga will all earn their rightful praise after scintillating performances, the local stars of the Clydesdales also stepped up and showed they belong at BMD Premiership level with Natalia Webb in particular putting in a game-changing performance at fullback.

“That is the pleasing thing, the local girls are starting to understand the game and the intensity,” Sargent said.

“They are getting better every single game, and it is a team effort and everyone has to play to the best of their abilities, so I am so proud of them.”