VICTORY: We reveal the 5 keys to Clydesdales first ever BMD win

The Western Clydesdales have started their season in perfect fashion against the CQ Capras. Following the thrilling home win we’re shining a light on the 5 keys to the team’s BMD success.

Jessikah Reeves scores for Western Clydesdales against Central Queensland Capras. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The Western Clydesdales kicked off their inaugural BMD Premiership season in emphatic style on Saturday.

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the Clydesdales secured a 22-18 win over CQ Capras.

With Ali Brigginshaw pulling the strings at halfback and skipper Tara Reinke bending the line the Clydesdales raced out to an 18-0 lead inside the first 30 minutes.

There were some ‘heart in the mouth’ moments late in the game with the Clydesdales mustering some great goal line defence, but the home side remained composed.

With their first win in the bag here are the five biggest talking points from game one.

Simple effective football

The Clydesdales played a lot of ‘one out’ football at times but it was effective and produced results.

Early in their sets they ran the ball hard up the middle, hitting the line at speed and putting the Capras on the back foot.

It should be noted however that the Clydesdales did not play ‘simple footy’ all the time.

They did however wait for their opportunities.

Hard yards up the middle created the space out wide for the Clydesdales backs to run rampant.

It wasn’t all straight running from the forwards either, with the mobile pack stepping and breaking through the line.

The team waited for their opportunities and capitalised when they presented themselves.

Therese Aiton for Western Clydesdales.

Ali Brigginshaw fires off a pass.

Ali Brigginshaw scores the Clydesdales first ever try.

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

Classy Brigginshaw

The early season signings of Shenae Ciesiolka and Tara Reinke captured the hearts of Clydesdales and the addition of Ali Brigginshaw at the same time captured the minds.

Brigginshaw is arguably one of Australian rugby league’s greatest ever play and her class showed.

Less than a minute after Steph Hancock was held up just short of scoring what would have been the Clydesdales first ever try, Brigginshaw capitalised.

Weaving her way through the Capras the halfback dove over to score a historic try in just the sixth minute.

The veteran halfback was a class above all game – expertly feeding the ball to her hard running forwards, going wide when the chance presented itself and putting the Capras under pressure with accurate kicking.

Further evidence of her skill was evident in the second half when Brigginshaw’s kick found Kayla Jackson for the team’s fourth try.

With the level headed veteran playing a leading hand the Clydesdales will be a force in attack this season.

Desperate defence

The Capras had plenty of speed out wide and broke through the Clydesdales defensive line a few times.

The Clydesdales however never gave up on a play with some excellent cover defence stopping what should’ve been run away tries.

It was also evident that the Clydesdales were focused on locking up the ball in defence.

Good solid tackling ‘up top’ shut down any chance of Capras offloads which in turn reduced any hopes the opposition had of gaining momentum.

Jessikah Reeves for Western Clydesdales.

Zoe Cook for Western Clydesdales.

Taylor Fenton for Western Clydesdales.

Keeley Davis for Western Clydesdales.

Sarah Hoger for Western Clydesdales.

Sarah Hoger reacts after a forward pass call.

Keeley Davis gets over to try for Western Clydesdales.

Cool under pressure

It was all one way traffic in the first half with the Clydesdales racing out to an early 18-0 lead and leading 18-6 at the half.

With Dally M women’s medallist Tamika Upton steering the ship from fullback the Capras were never out of the game though.

The Capras worked their back into the game through a try to Bree Spreadborough in the 57th minute.

The visitors then sent a scare through the Clydesdales faithful with a 66th minute try.

The home side never panicked though, they barely even raised their voices – they just continued to work hard in defence and stick to the system.

Interchange

Clydesdales coach Mitch Sargent went to his bench 10 times through the game.

The bench players offered a good point of difference while on the field, but at the same time the Clydesdales were still able to stick to the system that worked for them.