Heartbreak for Clydesdales in inaugural BMD Premiership semi

Up against the unbeaten Mackay Cutters our Western Clydesdales fell short in their inaugural BMD Premiership semi-final clash. Here’s what we learned from the heartbreaking defeat.

Jessikah Reeves and Mackenzie Zeller tackle a Mackay Cutters player. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

The Western Clydesdales inaugural semi-final appearance ended in heartbreak at the weekend.

Away to unbeaten BMD Premiership heavyweights Mackay Cutters the Clydesdales were beaten 22-4.

The defeat to the Cutters, who will now face Norths Devils in the grand final, brings down the curtain on what has been a stunning debut year for the Clydesdales.

Here’s our look at the biggest talking points from the match.

Stunning start

The Clydesdales surprisingly took the lead just 13 minutes into the game.

Winger Georgia Sim’s try out wide silenced the Cutters and their passionate fans.

The rugby union convert’s four pointer was against the run of player with the Cutters essentially camped out on the Clydesdales try line for the first ten minutes of the match.

All season the Clydesdales have shown a willingness and ability to defend their tryline at all costs and Saturday was no different.

At one point they repelled multiple Cutters attacking raids, including a set of 10 straight tackles, before scoring with their first real opportunity of the game.

It was the perfect start for the Clydesdales with halfback Taylor Fenton setting up Sim with a beautiful ball.

Georgia Sim scored for the Clydesdales in their semi-final clash with the Mackay Cutters. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

Leianne Tufuga in action for the Western Clydesdales. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

Cutters convert

The 22-4 win does not truly reflect what was a typical, gritty semi-final showdown between two passionate teams.

The Cutters, who finished the regular season unbeaten, dominated the scoreboard but the two teams were evenly matched throughout the game.

Unfortunately for the Clydesdales the Cutters made the most of the few clear opportunities.

The home team capitalised on small cracks in the Clydesdales defence and errors to score tries.

Leading 6-4 at the break, the Cutters had two good opportunities in the second half and scored both times.

Clydesdales passion

The Clydesdales never went away against a more fancied Cutters outfit who are now aiming to secure the minor premiership and grand final double.

Despite trailing 6-4 at halftime and 16-4 in the 47th minute, the Clydesdales played every minute with the same passion and determination they started the game with.

The had decent opportunities to close the gap on the scoreboard but the Cutters were able to hold firm in the big moments.