Understrength Western Clydesdales suffer defeat to Norths Devils in BMD Premiership clash

In one of the most heroic defensive performances ever seen, the Western Clydesdales fell agonisingly short of securing their place in finals with one round in hand. See the biggest talking points from their thrilling clash with Norths here.

Taylor Fenton for the Western Clydesdales. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

An understrength Western Clydesdales side suffered a thrilling but ultimately disappointing 26-18 defeat to Norths Devils in round 8 of the BMD Premiership at Clive Berghofer Stadium on Saturday.

Despite the defeat, the Clydesdales still remain in the top four headed into the final round but face a must-win clash with fellow finals contenders Souths Logan with a finals spot the potential winner’s prize.

Despite the result, Clydesdales coach Mitch Sargent was proud of the effort from his side.

“That out there was a really good performance from our girls,” he said.

“We had a lot of local girls, we didn’t have the experience that we usually have and to come up against the experience of a top four team like that who I don’t think had any players missing, it was a fantastic performance.

“I know we can build off that and take it into a do-or-die match next week against Souths Logan.”

Check out the biggest talking points from the clash here.

Natalia Webb for the Clydesdales. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

Clydesdales without Origin reps

While the Clydesdales have adapted and fared well without New South Wales Origin reps Kezie Apps and Keeley Davis, they were also without Ali Brigginshaw and Shenae Ciesiolka for the first time this season.

With TRL rising star Natalia Webb filling in at fullback and Clydesdales youth star Chloe Pallisier playing alongside Chloe Fenton in the halves, the hosts were without the elite level of experience in the backline they have become accustomed to in recent weeks.

“Obviously in points there we lost a bit of direction and that was going to happen with those quality of players missing out,” Sargent said.

“But I am so impressed and proud of the girls that stood up and they put their best foot forward to do their best for the team.

“It was quite evident that they didn’t turn away and kept going until the end siren and a lot of girls had a really good performance to try and get us over the line so it was pleasing.”

Playing only her third BMD Premiership game, Pallisier did not look out of place in the Clydesdales’ top side and rarely put a foot wrong throughout the contest.

“As a 17 year old to come out there and to play that sort of performance that she did against some genuine NRLW halves, it is a credit to our region, a credit to Chloe herself and our club and what we are trying to do here for our players so I’m really proud of that,” Sargent said.

Kayla Jackson for the Western Clydesdales. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

Rookie’s stellar season continues

Rugby league rookie Kayla Jackson’s scintillating season continued on Saturday as she crossed over for her sixth try of the season just over a minute into the contest.

Throughout the 70 minutes, she made countless impressive runs and bone-crunching tackles on the left edge.

Heroic defence

The Western Clydesdales produced a masterclass in defending their own tryline as they held the Devils out on countless occasions.

With the game still in the balance with just over 15 minutes to play, the Clydesdales held the Devils up three times in goal to prevent a try which would have almost sealed the win for the visitors.

“They have been doing it all season, their heart and their attitude on the tryline is the best in the competition,” Sargent said.

“I have never seen a team defend as hard as they do and they keep turning up for each other. “That’s a sign of a really, really good team, no matter what the scoreboard says, they show up for each other and they never give up and that’s all I can ask for as a coach.”

Leianne Tufuga. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

Tufuga unstoppable at centre

Leianne Tufuga has been one of the underrated stars for the Clydesdales this season and had one of her best games on Saturday.

She made countless trademark runs with plenty of post-contact metres gained and crossed over for a crucial try early in the second half.

Superb kick-off game

The Clydesdales kick-off game was elite as they won the ball back from five of their six kick-offs.

They immediately caught Norths out as they won the ball back from the first kick-off in the game and went on to score a try from that set.

Every single time, the hosts kicked to the right around the 30m line, yet the Devils despite knowing what was coming – had no answer for it.