Second-half Clydesdales stampede seals 47th Battalion premiership

Inspired by last year’s disappointment, the Toowoomba Clydesdales reclaimed their status as the region’s top footballing team by taking out the 2023 47th Battalion Trophy in stunning fashion. Read how they did it here.

Toowoomba Clydesdales celebrate their 24-10 victory over reigning champs Rockhampton Rustlers in the XXXX 47th Battalion rugby league Trophy Final. Photo: Contributed.

Scoring 24 unanswered points in a mesmerising second half blitz, the Toowoomba Clydesdales are the 47th Battalion champions once again.

Toppling the defending champs Rockhamton Rustlers, the Clydesdales rallied back from a 10-0 first half deficit to secure a stunning 24-10 victory.

Battling the Emerald heat, the men’s side were impressive in their three games, smashing South West Stockman 34-0 and cruising past Sunshine Coast Falcons 20-10.

“I’m very proud of the side and that we were able to win back the title,” coach Collin Speed said.

“Off the back of last year’s disappointment it is a very rewarding result.”

Speed chalked up his side’s win to culture and structural changes following their 2022 defeat.

“We went back and made changes to our preparation and how we approached the carnival,” Speed said.

“We changed our preparation and focused on selecting players that were committed to the cause, had the right attitude, were capable of playing multiple positions and those that wanted to represent the region and being proud to pull on the jersey.

“Another thing we did was simulation training.

“We went out to Gatton and simulated the routines for the Friday night and Saturday morning as well as the heat and playing out of position.”

In the final, the Clydesdales rallied from behind, scoring 24 points in the second half.

Speed credited the experience of the senior players that had played in high pressure knockout and final situations before in conjunction with his bench having a great impact and that ‘next man up mentality.’

George Tevita for the Toowoomba Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Dwayne Duncan for the Toowoomba Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“We had our starting hooker (Harry) Sullivan play out on the wing and our other hooker and interchange George (Tevita) come in and play in the second-row,” he said.

“Our captain (Dwayne) Duncan also had a great game and comp in general, he showed great leadership and also stuck it to them (other team’s) making the side lift with his efforts.

“So everyone was playing with the right mindset and they knew that if they stuck at it and didn’t drop their heads they would come away with the win, and that’s what they did.”

The men’s side will now play in the XXXX League Championship semi-final against Chairman’s Challenge winner Brisbane Red June 17-18, in Toowoomba.

PREVIEW

Toowoomba teams head to Emerald this week with history on their minds.

The Clydesdales women’s team are eager to secure a 47th Battalion hat-trick after beating Rockhampton 26-8 last year.

With more than half last year’s squad lining up again and lot of off-season work under their belt, coach Dom Haak is confident his side can push for a third straight title.

“We’ve worked hard in the off-season. Our preparation is a step up on what we did last year,” Haak said.

“The girls got together for a few sessions before Christmas and we had a pre-season camp as well. We’re confident but taking nothing for granted.”

Katelyn Anderson on the burst for the Clydesdales. Picture: Nev Madsen.

With a plenty of strike power and speed out wide, the Clydesdales will be a force in attack, but Haak said they will be neglecting their defence.

“The skill level in the TRL is increasing every year and we’re seeing that in this side as well,” he said.

“Our younger players are stepping up, players drawing on their Clydesdales experience and established (TRL) players making their mark.

“It certainly makes our jobs a lot easier because we can just focus on structure and our game plan.

“With the shorter halves it’s important we start well and are tough and physical in defence.

“If can do that we have the strike power to score plenty of points particularly in the back end of the halves.”

Chris Woodbridge.

The Toowoomba’s men’s team will be looking to bounce back after failing to defend the title they lass won in 2021.

The Clydesdales 23-18 loss to Bundaberg in last year’s semi-final was one of several major upsets in the competition.

Ahead of the three day carnival starting Friday, we’ve identified the top five male and female players who will be key to the Clydesdales chances of success.

Chris Woodbridge: The current Webcke Price Medal leader, leading try and points scorer is Toowoomba Rugby League form player.

Woodbridge, who has scored 10 tries and amassed 75 points in three rounds, has been electric for the Dalby Diehards, has speed to burn and is lethal in broken play.

Courtney-Lee Nolan for Gatton.

Courtney-Lee Nolan: The reigning Hancock Edwards Medal winner has been the standout player in an extremely impressive Gatton women’s team for the past two seasons.

Nolan matches workrate with skilful plays and can expertly control the ebb and flow of games.

Sam Betros on his way to score a try for the Clydesdales.

Sam Betros: The shining light in what has been a difficult few seasons for Brothers, Betros has taken his game to another level since moving to Valleys this year.

A ball-running half who plays smart footy and matches the intensity laid down by his forwards.

Rikki-Lee Boney: Capable of playing just about anywhere on the field, Boney has a knack for showing up just where she is needed.

Dangerous on the edges where she can through the line she is equally good at throwing the key pass as she is catching them.

Luke Maiden on the burst for Souths.

Luke Maiden: The Clydesdales have the strike power out wide to match any team but without the likes of Luke Maiden they won’t have the room to move.

Maiden, who was last year’s TRL Prop of the Year and picked up a Western Clydesdales contract in the off-season, is hard working no-nonsense prop who runs the ball hard.

Erikana Dean: Lining up for the Cook Islands at the recent Rugby League World Cup, Dean brings experience and leadership.

Her ability to play in number of different positions, combined with her ball running and defensive skills, make her a valuable asset.

Dwayne Duncan scores a try for the Clydesdales.

Dwayne Duncan: With limited preparation time club combinations could be the difference at the representative carnival.

Duncan can break games open with dazzling individual plays and has looked great alongside clubmate Sam Betros in the halves for Valleys this season.

Katelyn Anderson: The 2022 47th Battalion Player of the Tournament is a strong ball runner who can bend and break the defensive line.

George Tavita: The Gatton Hawks hooker has great vision and expertly steers his team around the field.

If the Clydesdales pack give him time and space he will pick apart opposition defences.

Kim Dore: Another Hawks star who will have a big say in the Clydesdales chances of securing a three-peat. The Gatton captain is a rangy, hard to tackle second rower who can bust the line and is a great leader.